Full Moon – Balanced Opinions

Dwell not on the faults
and shortcomings of others,
instead, seek clarity
about your own.

DHAMMAPADA v. 50

It is understandable that we have opinions about the way others behave. To do so is part of the natural functioning of our discriminative intelligence. In this verse the Buddha is not saying we ought to dismiss our capacity for assessing that which is wholesome and that which is not. Rather, he is highlighting the risk of losing balance. To be consistently caught in a habit of criticising others for their faults, is to have lost perspective. The primary focus of attention needs to be on recognizing one’s own limitations. If you can be genuinely honest about your own motivations there is a better chance your actions of body and speech will contribute to inner and outer harmony.

(This post is also available to view at dhammakatha.org)