In this overwhelmingly material world, we are extremely overpowered by the conventional worldly materialistic aspects of everyday society. But, they are and cover only the outer shell of human beings, not our inner true heart beat. The importance of a knife lies in its sharpness, not its blade. Even though the knife has a golden blade, it will be useless if it is not sharp. A person who is always busy looking for a golden blade and does not use the knife is like a person who is too busy looking for wealth and neglects his spiritual growth. Such a person can never find true peace. Another person uses his knife regularly and does not need a golden blade, just like someone who is not overpowered by riches but uses his mind to find inner peace. Knowledge, good behavior and peace are the essenceS of life; we should seek these essences of life to live harmoniously.

32 – GOODNESS ATTRACTS AND PRODUCES MORE GOODNESS

Virtues of a good person are not pleasant or attractive to a bad person. Likewise, bad deeds of a bad person are horrible to a good person. The persons with whom we associate reflect what kind of a person we are since people of different temperaments usually repel each other, while people of the same temperament normally come together.

33 – BE CAREFUL – WE REAP WHAT WE SOW

Bad people despise good people; in every circumstance, they cannot tolerate good people. The seed of goodness is so lacking in their hearts that they do not have enough to offer or even accept goodness from others. On the other hand, the seed of evil in their hearts make them feel at ease in associating with bad people, fools, and cruelty. We carry the bad or good seed in our minds and hearts life after life. We will reap what we have planted. Good people must not alter their goodness to satisfy bad people and should always be on guard against their evil conviction.

34 – OBSERVATION OF GOODNESS MAKES LIFE PERFECT

Building up goodness is considered difficult because to do so one has to fight against defilements. Protecting the goodness is even more difficult. Those who endeavor to fulfil goodness and try to observe it always are considered difficult to find, worthy of respect and honor, worthy of association and are good models.

35 – SET OUR LIFE RIGHT AND LIVE WITH WISDOM

Gaining wisdom leads to happiness. (SUKKHO PANNAPATILABHO) Searching for wisdom is genuinely a supreme search. So, when we have wisdom as our main target, we should set ourselves in a place where wisdom will always develop. Listening to the Dharma on a regular basis, attaining merits and make efforts to wipe out deceitful actions or hindrances make the mind healthy and completely pure. This is the place where wisdom will develop and grow to an extent leading to the realization of the truth.