26/08/2026
This week, we can remind ourselves that setting the intention to extend greater concern for the welfare of others is an essential part of the path. As the Buddha describes in AN3.24, there are three kinds of people who are of great benefit to others. In the same way, we can recognize that whatever confidence, discipline, and kindness we now have has come to us through the support of others. Reflecting on the guidance and generosity that have carried us in our own practice, we set the intention to become a source of benefit for those around us as well.
May our practice be for the welfare and happiness of all beings.
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AN3.24 - Helpful
Translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi
“Bhikkhus, these three persons are helpful to another person. What three?
(1) “The person through whom another has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha. This person is helpful to the other person.
(2) “Again, the person through whom another comes to understand as it really is: ‘This is suffering,’ and ‘This is the origin of suffering,’ and ‘This is the cessation of suffering,’ and ‘This is the way leading to the cessation of suffering.’ This person is helpful to the other person.
(3) “Again, the person through whom, with the destruction of the taints, another realizes for himself with direct knowledge, in this very life, the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, and having entered upon it, dwells in it. This person is helpful to the other person.
“These three persons are helpful to another person.
“I say, bhikkhus, that there is no one more helpful to another person than these three persons. I say, too, that it is not easy to repay these three persons by paying homage to them, by rising up for them, by reverential salutation, by proper conduct, and by presenting them with robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicines and provisions for the sick.”
