Avoiding intoxicant drinks and drugs
One day, a dump fly tasted a bit of liquor left in a coconut shell. After that, he felt heavier and stronger than before. So he went back to the dump again. As soon as he landed on the dump, the dump heap was lowered a little. The fly thought, “Look, I am so strong.” At this time, an elephant happened to pass by. The fly said, “My dear friend, have you come here for a fight? I am ready today.” The elephant walked over to the dump. He did not say a single word but just gave a big thump with its hoof and killed all the flies. Taking intoxicant drinks and drugs will make us lose our senses like the fly. That is why the Buddha wanted us to refrain from using them.
Four Types of People There are four types of people in the world. One who works for his own good, but not for the good of others; one who works for the good of others, but not for his own good; one who works neither for his own good nor for the good of others; and one who works for his own good as well as for the good of others. And which is the person who works for his own good, but not for the good of others? It is he who strives for the abolishing of greed, hatred and delusion in him, but does not encourage others to abolish greed, hatred and delusion.And which is the person who works for the good of others, but not for his own good? It is he who encourages others to abolish greed, hatred and delusion, but does not strive for the abolishing of greed, hatred and delusion in himself. And which is the person who works neither for his own good nor for the good of others? It is he who neither strives for the abolishing of greed, hatred and delusion in himself, nor encourages others to abolish greed, hatred and delusion. And which is the person who works for his own good as well as for the good of others? It is he who strives for the abolishing of greed, hatred and delusion in himself, and also encourages others to abolish greed, hatred and delusion.