When Unwholesome Monks Are Strong Wholesome Monks Are Weak

Monks, when robbers are strong, Kings are weak. At that time the King is not at ease when re-entering [his capital], or when going out, or when touring the outlying provinces. At that time Brāhmins and Householders, too, are not at ease when re-entering [their towns and villages], or when going out, or when attending to work outside.

So too, when unwholesome Monks are strong, wholesome Monks are weak. At that time the wholesome Monks sit silently in the midst of The Community or they resort to the outlying provinces. This is for the harm of many people, for the unhappiness of many people, for the ruin, harm, and suffering of many people, of heavenly beings and human beings.

Monks, when Kings are strong, robbers are weak. At that time the King is at ease when re-entering [his capital], and when going out, and when touring the outlying provinces. At that time Brāhmins and Householders, too, are at ease when re-entering [their towns and villages], and when going out, and when attending to work outside.

So too, when wholesome Monks are strong, unwholesome Monks are weak. At that time the unwholesome Monks sit silently in the midst of The Community or they depart for other regions. This is for the welfare of many people, for the peacefulness of many people, for the good, welfare, and peacefulness of many people, of heavenly beings and human beings.

(Reference: AN 2.39)

In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares how when Ordained Practitioners and Teachers are unwholesome, wholesome Ordained Practitioners and Teachers are weak.

He provides an example using a story of how when Kings (i.e. leaders) are weak, the population of people experience fear, harm, and robbers creating havoc in the villages and towns. But, when a King (i.e. leader) is strong, then robbers are weak with the people living at ease and in peacefulness.

The Buddha provides guidance of how one can be “strong”. It is not through forceful means but instead, through practicing these good wholesome Teachings.

Through the leaders of villages, towns, provinces/states, countries, etc. practicing wholesome moral conduct and all of these Teachings, they will set the example for others and we will observe improved conduct in the world. The Ordained Practitioners and Teachers need to lead the way helping others to learn, reflect, and practice these Teachings.

Through Ordained Practitioners and Teachers deeply practicing these Teachings, they set an example for all others. Then, when individuals choose to seek guidance, they will not only learn through The Teachings themselves but also, through the actions of Ordained Practitioners and Teachers.

“One who sees me, sees the Teachings”.

(Gotama Buddha)

Ordained Practitioners and Teachers need to always be deeply practicing every aspect of these Teachings ensuring they are setting a wholesome example for all others. A Teacher will guide many more people through their actions than through their words. Community leaders will have the same experience. They will guide populations of people much more closely and responsibly through their actions than through their words.

It is when we improve our actions that we provide the best example for others. Words can help explain The Teachings and give clarity. But, our actions speak not only to the mind but also to the heart of those who choose to learn with us. Speaking to the mind can produce results. But it is only when a leader can speak to the mind and the heart through words and actions that they can be most effective at guiding others to an improved life.