The Encourager of Goodness: Daring to Speak Truth, Even When Hated

This dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang explores the role of one who encourages goodness. It teaches that offering advice, even when disliked by those with unwholesome habits, plants seeds of virtue. By daring to guide others, we build moral authority and lead them toward the Buddha's teachings (Dharma).

Have you ever advised a friend to abandon bad habits, only for them to become angry and distant? Or have you seen a colleague make a mistake but hesitated to speak up for fear of losing favor? The story of the encourager of goodness in the Dhammapada helps us understand the courage and responsibility inherent in every Buddhist practitioner.

Advice That Makes the Unwholesome Dislike You

As the international Vesak celebration approaches, Venerable Thich Chan Quang recalled a short verse taught by the Buddha: "Those who frequently admonish, encourage good, and prevent evil are respected by the wise but disliked by the unwholesome."

At first glance, this seems unfair, yet it aligns perfectly with natural law. Why? Because sincere advice makes those with negative tendencies uncomfortable; they do not wish to change. However, if we remain silent out of fear of being disliked, we incur a greater fault. Folk traditions warn that silence in the face of wrongdoing can lead to karmic consequences such as muteness or blindness. Therefore, we must accept that truth is sometimes difficult to hear.

Not Fearing Hatred, Because It Is Our Responsibility

Let us look inward. Are we today good people, dedicated to practice, because someone patiently guided us? We once lived in error, but thanks to parents, teachers, friends, or wise companions who showed us the way, we gradually transformed. The gap between someone who spends Sundays in idle pleasure and one who chooses to listen to the Dharma is vast. Yet we crossed it because someone supported us. Now, it is our turn to be a light for others.

"I know that throughout history, many people lived wrongly or were flawed, yet they changed into good people because someone close to them offered guidance."

Moral Authority – The Invisible Power to Guide Others

Some individuals command respect simply by their presence. This is moral authority. It does not stem from titles or wealth but accumulates from three sources: faith in the Three Jewels, boundless compassion, and the courage to advise others when they err.

"First, we bow to the Buddha with deep reverence. Second, we love everyone with generous and expansive hearts. Third, we dare to offer counsel when we see others making mistakes."

These three practices naturally increase one’s moral authority. As the old saying goes, "Virtue weighs heavy enough to awe spirits." When your moral authority is strong, even restless spirits or ill-intentioned people feel compelled to show respect. Thus, every piece of sincere advice, though perhaps unwelcome, is a brick building your own spiritual stature.

The Path of Transformation: From Flawed to Practitioner

When advising others, we must recognize their current level. The Buddha outlined a clear process: first help the unwholesome improve slightly, then guide them to become good people, next teach them to encourage others in doing good, and finally introduce them to spiritual practice. Do not rush to tell everyone, "Practice, practice!" Be skillful like a gardener; young trees cannot bear fruit immediately and need daily watering.

Connecting with the Buddha’s Mind Through Advice

Start with small acts: smile at a neighbor, gently offer feedback to a friend, or share a dharma talk. Every sincere piece of advice, even if met with dislike, is an act of encouraging goodness. You can be a lamp for others. In time, you will realize that the more you give, the more your moral authority grows, and the more you guide others, the closer you come to the mind of the Buddha.