“Whoever was heedless before, but afterwards is not, he illumines this world like the full moon freed from clouds.” (Dhp v 172)

 “Whoever was heedless before, but afterwards is not, 
he illumines this world like the full moon freed from clouds.” 
(Dhp v 172)

1. Not to Associate with Fools

Those who do not observe basic morality are called fools. One may be learned in the sense of knowing Dhamma, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma, but if one does not observe moral conduct, one is a fool since shameless and immoral behaviour leads to suffering in this life and the next. Fools hold wrong views, that is why they do immoral deeds, and neglect to do wholesome deeds. 

In the ultimate sense, not to associate with fools means to remain aloof from foolishness. Whenever one meets others, one should focus on and encourage wise conduct, and overlook or discourage foolish conduct.

2. To Associate with the Wise

Conversely, the wise are those who observe basic morality carefully. The wise cultivate wholesome deeds such as charity, morality, meditation, reverence, service, learning the Dhamma, etc., and they hold right views. Wise friends restrain us from evil and urge us to do good.

In the ultimate sense, to associate with the wise means to reflect constantly on the qualities of the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. 

3. To Honour Those Worthy of Honour

 People are worthy of honour for many reasons. One should respect those who provide material and spiritual benefits: parents, teachers, employers, monks, public servants, etc. One should also respect those with more refined morality, greater learning, or greater age. Respect may be shown in various ways, by service, homage, etc.

4. Living in a Suitable Locality

To fulfil the preceding three blessings, one should live in the right place. In some places it is difficult to meet wise and learned teachers who can explain the deeper meaning of the Dhamma. Wherever Buddhism has become well-established there will be many qualified Dhamma teachers, but there will also be many selfish teachers who emphasise charity for the sake of their own material welfare. In general, people get the kind of teacher that they deserve. 

If you are living close to a wise teacher, it is a rare and great blessing.

5. Good Deeds Done in the Past

To have the power to choose where to live, and who to associate with, one must have accumulated merits in the past. Most people have a limited choice, and so have to live wherever they can find regular employment and an affordable home. It is very rare indeed to meet a living Buddha or even to hear his genuine teaching. Even if one is born in a Buddhist country, a truly wise teacher is hard to come across, and his time is always in great demand. 

One who has done many meritorious deeds is born in a devout Buddhist family and gets many opportunities to learn and practice the Dhamma. One who is more interested in sensual pleasures will not gravitate towards Dhamma centres.

6. Setting Oneself in the Right Course

It takes wisdom and patience to build good character. One who fulfils all of the preceding blessings, will be naturally inclined to cultivate virtue, but most people will have to make special efforts to avoid wrong doing and correct their defects. Knowing one’s faults is a good start, but we need great humility, honesty, and patience to correct ourselves.