From Generosity to Gratefulness: A Pathway to a Compassionate Society
On April 20, 2025, during the ordination ceremony of the 11th “True Little Monk” program, His Holiness Phra Brahmapundit, Professor and Member of the Supreme Sangha Council, Abbot of Wat Prayurawongsawat, and Chief Mentor of the program, delivered a powerful sermon on the timeless virtues of generosity and gratitude. His message emphasized that gratefulness is not merely a personal virtue, but a vital social interaction between giver and receiver—a foundation for cultivating good people in society.
Quoting a verse from Khlong Lokanit (a classical Thai ethical poem), he underscored the reciprocity embedded in virtuous conduct:
"One who gives shall receive in return,
One who honors shall be honored,
One who loves shall be loved,
These three should not be extended to the unworthy."
His Holiness stressed that cultivating the value of katanyu-katavedi (gratitude and its expression) is akin to sowing seeds of goodness in society. This virtue fosters a deep love for the pillars of Thai culture: the Nation, Religion, and Monarchy. When this foundation is strong, other moral values naturally follow. The role of adults, he emphasized, is to be selfless givers—offering without expectation or conditions. In return, receivers who embrace gratitude must continue this cycle by giving back to others, creating a radiant and harmonious society built on mutual kindness and responsibility.
He quoted a verse in Pali to reinforce this truth:
"Tanna piyo hoti – The giver is beloved.
Taddha mitta niggati – The giver creates lasting friendships."
The act of giving itself is joy. True givers do not wait for reciprocity, because in the moment of giving, happiness is already realized. We should shift our mindset from competition to contribution, transforming “contest” into “sharing.” Those who have must remember to give to those who once had not. Generosity, after all, is a key indicator of happiness in a society.
As His Holiness beautifully said:
"Where there is a lack, fill it.
Where there is excess, be content.
Where there is sufficiency, learn to share.
And when sharing, let it be just and fair."
A society built on such principles will see its happiness index soar.
His sermon closed by linking this timeless wisdom to a global imperative: “No One Left Behind,” the core principle of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This ideal, he reminded, can only be achieved if we all commit to the act of sharing, starting with ourselves.
The ordination of the young novices is not just a religious ceremony, but also a platform for nurturing future citizens with moral depth and social responsibility, planting seeds of wisdom and compassion for generations to come.
#truelittlemonk #CPLIPodCast
#CPLI #CPLeadershipInstitute #GlobalLeadershipInstitute #LeaderInSustainability
#CPStoriesOfGoodness #CPforaBetterTomorrow #CPforaSustainability
