What Is Good, What Is Evil? Three Golden Standards So You Never Go Astray

Living in this world, every day we must make choices: should we do this or that? But have you ever asked yourself whether you are choosing rightly? Some things seem good yet cause harm, while some things seem small yet create great karma. So where is the line between good and evil? How can we never go astray?

Why do we often confuse good and evil?

When we do something, we tend to justify ourselves. The alcoholic says: "Life is short, so let's just enjoy it." The thief offers the excuse: "I am too poor, I have no other way." Even terrorists have reasons to defend their actions. But justification does not turn a bad deed into a good one. It only blinds us, so we keep sowing bad seeds without knowing it.

"Everyone in this world wants to be a good person, everyone wants to do good things, but not everyone knows what the good thing to do is." – Venerable Thích Chân Quang

The first standard: Put yourself in another's place

Before you say or do anything to someone, try imagining how you would feel if you were them. For example, when you take the best plot of land because you believe that as the eldest child you have the right of worship, put yourself in the place of the younger sibling pushed onto the poor plot. Do you see their suffering? If so, that action is wrong. Likewise, when you dig up the road to lay water pipes, if you do not fill it back in evenly, and every passing car gets jolted, think of how they feel. That is a wrongdoing, and its retribution will come.

"When we do something wrong, that clever, intelligent, cunning mind will come up with an excuse, an argument to defend our wrongdoing." – Venerable Thích Chân Quang

The second standard: Consider the consequences far ahead

Every action has a result. If you help someone in poverty, you will receive help when you need it. But if you give someone money to gamble, you are aiding what is wrong. The consequence is that you will lose your wealth and no longer be rich. Look further ahead; do not see only what is before your eyes. Drinking half a bottle of water and throwing it away, or spraying water freely while washing your car, may seem harmless, but it is a waste of resources. The retribution is that you will be reborn in a place lacking water, like a desert. Know contentment; do not be wasteful.

"Just look at that retribution and you will know whether you are right or wrong, good or evil, rather than thinking that something is mine and I can use it however I please." – Venerable Thích Chân Quang

The third standard: Look at cause and effect (karmic law)

Cause and effect (karmic law) is not superstition, but a natural law: what you sow is what you reap. When you do good deeds, such as contributing labor to build a temple or helping those in hardship, you will receive blessings from merit: a comfortable home and a peaceful, joyful life. Conversely, if you cause harm to others, harm will return to you. Ask yourself: where will my action lead me? If it leads to suffering (dukkha) for myself and others, then it is evil.

"Recognizing what in this world is good and what is bad is a very important first awareness for people in general, and especially for those beginning to walk the path of practice." – Venerable Thích Chân Quang

Applying this to daily life

Begin with small things: finish the water in your cup, do not waste electricity and water, and before speaking a word, think of the listener. When you meet someone new at the temple, instead of scolding them for being ignorant, gently guide them. Every small action creates karma. If we are mindful, we will avoid countless sufferings for ourselves and for others.

Life is a series of choices. Do not let laziness or habit lead you down a dark path. Use wisdom and compassion to light the way. When you know how to distinguish good from evil, you will live in peace and happiness, spreading love to everyone. Begin today, with the smallest of things.