3.3.6

Lesson 3.3.6 Ambalaṭṭhikarāhulovādasuttaṃ, Part One – How to Train Oneself and to Confess Shortcomings to One’s Elders

Human nature displays a vast spectrum of characters, attributes and diverse qualities. Generosity, compassion, truthfulness, altruism and caring kindness are found in the same way as are ill will, hatred, envy, jealousy and all kinds of egotistical demeanours. That a child caught lying seems unable to hide the actual truth by displaying reactions in deportment or facial features seems to prove that human nature has congenital wholesome qualities but kammic forces, environment, cravings and ‘will to power’ also seem to produce characters with ‘hearts of stone’ lacking any sympathy for the well-being of others. The question is how does one improve oneself for the better or even preserve the good within? In the Ambalaṭṭhikarāhulovādasutta the Buddha counsels his son, Rāhula, using the simile of a mirror. He underscores the importance of giving careful thought to one’s actions before, during and after performing any deed. The guiding line should be whether any action causes harm to oneself, to anyone else or to both. Such a guiding principle will ensure calmness of mind and produce profitable, wholesome and beneficial circumstances, not only for oneself but for the whole social environment.