Exploring the Path - Pāli Course

“Bhikkhus, there are these three types of individuals to be found existing in the world. Which three?

There are individuals who are like a line drawn on rock, individuals who are like a line drawn on sand and individuals who are like a line drawn on water.

Bhikkhus, of what kind is an individual who is like a line drawn on rock?

Here, Bhikkhus, a certain individual becomes angry again and again, and this anger of his stays for a long time. Just as, Bhikkhus, a line drawn on rock is not quickly effaced by wind or water but remains there for a long time, similarly, Bhikkhus, a certain individual becomes angry again and again, and this anger of his stays with him for a long time. This, Bhikkhus, is called an individual who is like a line drawn on rock.

And, Bhikkhus, of what kind is an individual who is like a line drawn on sand?

Here, Bhikkhus, a certain individual becomes angry again and again, and this anger of his does not stay with him for a long time. Just as, Bhikkhus, a line drawn on sand is effaced quickly by wind or water and does not stay for long, similarly, Bhikkhus, here a certain individual becomes angry again and again, and this anger of his does not stay for long. This individual, Bhikkhus, is like a line drawn on sand.

And, Bhikkhus, of what kind is an individual like a line drawn on water?

Here, Bhikkhus, a certain individual, even when addressed harshly, addressed sharply, or addressed rudely is easily reconciled, and becomes agreeable and friendly. Just as, Bhikkhus, a line drawn on water disappears immediately and does not last long, similarly, Bhikkhus, here a certain individual, even when addressed harshly, addressed sharply, or addressed rudely is easily reconciled and becomes agreeable and friendly.

This individual is like a line drawn on water.

These three types of individuals, Bhikkhus, are to be found existing in the world.”

* Lekhasuttaṃ: lekha + suttaṃ – writing + suttaṃ.