O Atula! Indeed, this is an ancient practice, not one only of today: they blame those who remain silent, they blame those speak much, they blame those who speak in moderation. There is none in the world who is not blamed.
O Atula! Indeed, this is an ancient practice, not one only of today: they blame those who remain silent, they blame those who speak much, they blame those who speak in moderation. There is none in this world who is not blamed.
Deep Commentary
This verse was spoken at Jetavana Monastery regarding a layman named Atula. Atula and his group of five hundred followers were frustrated because their spiritual needs were not met by various disciples: they found the Venerable Revata too silent, the Venerable Sāriputta too verbose, and the Venerable Ānanda too brief. When they brought their complaints to the Buddha, he explained that blame and praise are inevitable in this world, even for the most enlightened beings. The teaching serves as a reminder to transcend the fluctuating opinions of others, cultivate the virtue of patience (kṣānti), and focus on inner self-realization rather than seeking external validation.
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