Be ye constant in the fulfilment of the greater and of the lesser duties, and be ye correct in life, walking according to the precepts.

Excerpt

‘Now it is not thus, Ananda, that the Tathagata is rightly honoured, reverenced, venerated, held sacred or revered. But the brother or the sister, the devout man or the devout woman, who continually fulfils all the greater and the lesser duties, who is correct in life, walking according to the precepts—it is he who rightly honours, reverences, venerates, holds sacred, and reveres the Tathagata with the worthiest homage. Therefore, O Ananda, be ye constant in the fulfilment of the greater and of the lesser duties, and be ye correct in life, walking according to the precepts; and thus, Ananda, should it be taught.’

Source Mahâparinibbâna Sutta 5.6-7 · 📖 Read the full passage

✨ To meditate on today

According to the Mahâparinibbâna Sutta, as flowers fall upon him in homage, the Buddha explains to Ananda that the finest homage is not in flowers, but in an upright life, in which one carefully fulfils one’s duties, great and small. Today, honour what is dear to you by carefully doing a small, ordinary task without complaining (the dishes, some tidying, a promised call).

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