Pursuit of Happiness: The Buddhist Way

Causes of Downfall (parābhava)1) “Being fond of sleep, fond of company, indolent,lazy and irritable – this is the cause of one’s downfall.”2) “Though being well-to-do, not to support father andmother who are old and past their youth — this is thecause of one’s downfall.”3) “To have much wealth and ample gold and food, but toenjoy one’s luxuries alone — this is the cause of one’sdownfall.”4) “To be proud of birth, of wealth or clan, and to despiseone’s own kinsmen — this is a cause of one’s downfall.”Professor Karunadasa’s public lecture onPursuit of Happiness: The Buddhist Way42 4/13/2013