A White Lie
~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~
Today: an old story. In America, two brothers become gangsters. Once they’re rich and successful they start to make generous donations to a foundation for poor children run by their local church. The elder brother dies. On the eve of his funeral the grief-stricken younger brother visits the priest. He says that he promises to continue the funding on one condition. Tomorrow, during the funeral oration, the priest must tell the whole world that his dear brother was a saint. The next day a huge crowd is gathered at the church. The priest begins his oration. He starts to speak about the departed gangster: ‘It must be acknowledged that, generous as he was, he did many unwise, bad things in his life. However, compared to his younger brother, he was a saint.’
In conversation, we may often feel that we have just two choices: either speak the truth and hurt somebody’s feelings, or lie and reassure them. But a white lie is still a lie and has consequences. The important factor here is the strength of our commitment to truth. If we truly care for our precept we will seek to find a middle way: avoiding untruth without causing unnecessary distress. On special occasions this might be achieved due to fear of losing something important, as in the story. But generally, we need the sensitivity and sharpness of mind which only comes from the practice of mindfulness.
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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.
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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.
