Person of Integrity View in explorer

6 discourses
One whose inner character aligns with their outer conduct—honest about their own faults, appreciative of others' virtues, and grounded in principles that guide action toward what is beneficial.
Also known as: virtuous person, true person
Pāli: sappurisa
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Ethical conduct

Ethical conduct

A disciplined way of living grounded in harmlessness and integrity. Ethical conduct restrains the body and speech from harm, purifies behavior, and forms the foundation for collectedness and wisdom.

Also known as: moral integrity, right action, virtue
Pāli: sīla, sammākammanta
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Good friendship

Good friendship

Association with those who are virtuous and wise, who encourage faith, ethical conduct, and discernment. Good friendship is the chief support for progress on the path, guiding one toward right view and wholesome living.

Also known as: friendship with wholesome persons
Pāli: kalyāṇamittatā
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Conscience

Conscience

An inner moral sensitivity that shrinks from wrongdoing out of self-respect and personal integrity. It is the voice within that knows what is beneath one's dignity, guarding conduct through an inward standard of honor.

Also known as: with sense of right and wrong, sense of shame, modesty, (comm) originating from inside
Pāli: hirī
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Fear of wrongdoing

Fear of wrongdoing

A wholesome dread of misconduct that considers consequences and the censure of the wise. It looks outward—aware of blame, loss of reputation, and the suffering that follows unskillful action—and holds the mind back from crossing ethical boundaries.

Also known as: conscientious, moral dread, respect for others, (comm) originating from outside
Pāli: ottappa
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Leads to
Faith

Faith

Confidence in the Buddha's awakening and the efficacy of the path. It brightens and steadies the mind, removing doubt and inspiring energy toward wholesome practice. True faith rests on clarity and direct experience rather than mere belief.

Also known as: confidence, trust, belief, conviction
Pāli: saddha, pasanna
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Wisdom

Wisdom

Lived understanding and sound judgment that steers the mind away from suffering, distinct from mere accumulation of facts.

Also known as: (of a person) wise, astute, intelligent, learned, skilled, firm, stable, steadfast, an experiential understanding of the four noble truths
Pāli: paññā, vijjā, medhā, dhīra, paṇḍita
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Featured Discourses

The Buddha explains that one lacking integrity cannot discern the true nature of others, while a person of integrity discerns both the good and the bad. The discourse contrasts their ethics, views, and associations, revealing their vastly different karmic destinations.

The Buddha describes the four qualities that distinguish a person of integrity from one lacking in integrity.

Who is a person without integrity and who is a person of integrity.

The Buddha teaches about integrity, gratitude, how one can repay one’s parents, action and non-action, who to make offerings to, persons who are internally or externally fettered, and the importance of right practice and well grasp of the Dhamma. The chapter gets its name from the AN 2.36 discourse.

The Buddha describes five kinds of gifts of a true person - 1) giving out of faith, 2) giving with respect, 2) giving at a suitable time, 4) giving unreservedly, and 5) giving without harming oneself or another.

The Buddha explains the eight gifts of a true person, including giving what is pure, excellent, and at the proper time.