But the man whom the wise praise, after obser ving him day after day, is one of flawless character, wise, and endowed with knowledge and virtue.
But the man whom the wise praise, after observing him day after day, is one of flawless character, wise, and endowed with knowledge and virtue.
Deep Commentary
The Buddha spoke these verses at Jetavana Monastery regarding a layman named Atula. Atula and five hundred followers went to hear the Dharma but became dissatisfied when Venerable Revata remained silent, Venerable Sariputta spoke at great length, and Venerable Ananda spoke too briefly. The Buddha taught them that praise and blame are common in the world, and one should not be disturbed by the opinions of others, but rather focus on cultivating inner stability and virtue, like the earth, water, fire, and air, which remain unmoved by the impurities or offerings cast upon them.
This verse from Dhammapada Chapter 17, verse 229, highlights the qualities of a truly praiseworthy person. It suggests that genuine praise comes from the wise, who observe an individual's actions consistently over time. The person they commend possesses an unblemished character, wisdom, and is rich in both knowledge and virtue.
The story of Atula and his followers illustrates this point. People often react to others based on superficial judgments or personal preferences, leading to dissatisfaction. However, true wisdom lies in cultivating inner stability and virtue, like the elements of nature that remain unaffected by external praise or blame. The wise recognize and value these deep-seated qualities, not fleeting opinions.
What qualities do you observe in yourself that you believe are truly virtuous?
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