Published Friday, 06 January 2023
It is wise
to set ourselves right
before instructing others.
Dhammapada v.158
Since we live with ourselves twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, surely we know ourselves better than we know others. However, acknowledging our own faults and limitations can be hard work. At least on a surface level of awareness, pointing out the faults of others is not only easier, it can also make us feel superior. The Buddha teaches that it is wisdom that recognizes the need to prioritize ourselves when it comes to giving instructions on right and wrong. If we look into a deeper level of awareness we might even discover it feels good to be honest about our limitations.