“Attachment to Goodness Can Bring Suffering? The True Meaning of 'Shame and Conscience' in Buddhism”
Everyone wants to be a good person and do the right thing. But what if our obsession with being “good” is actually a hidden source of suffering?
In this article, inspired by the teachings of Ven. Alubomulle Sumanasara Thero, we’ll explore the Buddhist concept of hiri-ottappa—shame and moral conscience—as a lens to understand the dynamic between good and evil, attachment, comparison, and ultimate liberation.
■ Meditation is not archaeology
When emotions like anger or shame arise during meditation, we often try to find their root cause. But this approach, Thero says, resembles archaeology—piecing together stories from scattered evidence.
Meditation is not about analysis. It’s about observing the present moment clearly. When anger arises, just observe: “There is anger.” No need to trace it back or label it. Insight will arise naturally.
■ Good and evil arise together
Where does the emotion of “shame” come from?
According to Buddhism, it arises from the interplay of wholesome and unwholesome mental states. For instance, when we say something hurtful and later regret it, the feeling of shame surfaces. This moral discomfort only emerges because we recognize that our action was wrong—which means we have an awareness of what is good.
Thus, good and evil are relative and interdependent.
■ Attachment to goodness becomes suffering
While “good” is desirable, attachment to it can be problematic. Expecting reward or recognition for good deeds can create disappointment when things don't go as hoped.
This too is clinging—and clinging always leads to suffering. Even goodness can become a prison if we can’t let go.
■ Without a little bad, we can’t feel good?
Interestingly, Buddhism doesn’t teach that good and bad should be perfectly balanced. It encourages increasing goodness—but within the understanding of relativity.
Without small misfortunes, happiness becomes tasteless. The contrast makes joy visible. Constant success without setbacks leads to boredom, not fulfillment.
■ The path of “pure goodness”
Is the Buddhist teaching of “doing only good” an unrealistic ideal?
Not quite. Over time, when one engages only in wholesome actions, comparison itself disappears. Happiness becomes the default. And eventually, even the “taste” of goodness fades.
At this point, one naturally lets go—even of the pleasure of doing good. This state of non-attachment is the very door to wisdom and liberation.
■ The true value of shame and conscience
Feelings like shame may seem unpleasant, but in Buddhism, they are deeply valued. They signal a movement toward goodness.
Shame and moral conscience are not signs of weakness but of ethical awareness. They allow us to reflect, learn, and change.
■ Beyond goodness: toward true freedom
The Buddhist path is simple yet profound: accumulate goodness. But in the process, we are led beyond even that—toward non-attachment.
To live a life where even goodness is not clung to—where shame becomes transformation, and action is free from ego—is to walk the path of peace, freedom, and ultimately, liberation.
