Section outline
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Lesson 3.3.2 Āghātavatthusuttaṃ – Ill Will Arising
The Buddha described nine reasons and considerations that cause ill will, animosity, aversion, anger and hatred to arise. These are highlighted in this Āghātavatthusutta. Like any other language, Pāli provides different terms that qualify the intensity of such strong negative emotions. The Buddha provided overall guidance to overcome such tendencies that are founded on thoughts of ill will (byāpādasaṅkappo) and ferocity (vihiṃsāsaṅkappo). Based on proper self-observation without reacting and multiplying these inclinations, one should adopt their respective contraries: thoughts of goodwill and compassionate love.