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Lesson 3.3.9 Dvedhāvitakkasuttaṃ, Part Two – Reducing Wrong Thoughts and Strengthening Right Thoughts
Throughout the ages seers, saints, philosophers and religious founders have formulated a similar ancient principle of ‘treat others as you would like to be treated.’ This tenet was taught by the Buddha to his son, Rahula, to his listeners and monks at various occasions, and it also is echoed in this Dvedhāvitakkasutta. The Buddha’s genuine advice to everyone is to mull over and ponder one’s thoughts as they are the foundation for resulting speech and consecutive actions. It is the universal truth (which can be felt by anyone but especially by a serious meditator) that agitation and distress follow from negative reflections and detrimental thoughts. Once those thoughts turn wholesome, one’s ensuing activity will be beneficial and positive and harmony will prevail for oneself and others.