Peaceful Asshole

"From beginningless time we have had a valid awareness, or consciousness, of 'I.'  This 'I,' or self, naturally and innately wants happiness and does not want suffering, and this desire is valid - it is true and reasonable.  Consequently, all of us have the right to achieve happiness and banish suffering."  The Dali Lama

"Boy, I think about myself a lot.  A lot."  Little Stevie Seaweed.

"Of course, you do."  The Dali Lama (Hypothetical projection.  The Dali Lama has not given me this advice directly.) 

I really like the idea that the first step in an effective meditation practice is developing a just and admirable morality.  And don't try to trap me in a circular loop of semantic bullshit about the true nature of morality.  Be nice.  Don't be an asshole.  Don't hate.  Love.  Be kind.  It's not complicated.  The point being that if I don't live a moral life, a kind, caring life, then all of the meditation contained in the universe isn't going to help me achieve a freedom from the endless cycle of trying to avoid suffering and trying to obtain pleasure.  

I can't be a peaceful asshole.  It's hard enough to be peaceful as it is.