benefit. Moreover, thinking based on goodwill imbues our bearing and facial features with pleasant attributes, and a pleasant smile is the forerunner of harmonious speech. With goodwill in our hearts, we do not deal with others out of ulterior motives; we do not meet them with a desire to find their similarities while holding on to our differences. Rather we accept the differences along with the similarities. The fourth step to fraternal living is the sharing of rightfully acquired gains. The well-trained and virtuous person is able to experience this higher kind of happiness, the happiness of giving. It is a relaxed and buoyant kind of happiness. In Buddhism it is taught that the ability to give should be developed through training, and the ability to experience happiness from giving is considered to be a gauge of mental maturity. People who are so developed will be the ideal members of a society. Step number five in the pursuit of fraternal living is uniform moral conduct. How many times have we told our undergraduate members, “If you don’t govern your actions, someone will govern them for you”? This holds true for risk management guidelines, but also can be said for the laws of the land as well. This last of the six conditions for fraternal living is of vital importance: people must have some common understanding and belief in principles. As Delta Chis we should at least possess the same beliefs in relation to what our organization stands for - justice, friendship, brotherhood. Without such a common understanding, problems are bound to arise. The Buddhists were smart. Think about it. By abiding by these six principles harmony and progress is assured. We will relate to each other with kindness, speak to each other with kindness, think of each other with kindness, share our gains, abide by the laws and regulations of Delta Chi and society and refrain from harming or exploiting each other, and ultimately have beliefs that are harmonious. In doing so, unity will arise and progress is assured. In the coming year, let’s all work hard to make sure unity will arise and progress will be assured. Delta Chi’s Board of Regents and staff are committed to the pursuit of that goal, and we stand ready to assist the chapters in any way we can.
54th International
Convention August 4-8, 2004 Washington, D.C.
Happy Founders’ Day. Fraternally,
Steven P. Bossart, Kent State ‘90, “AA” ∆X Quarterly Fall/Winter 2004 3
