28. One who wants to admonish another should first investigate: ‘Am I or am I not one who practices complete purity in body and speech? Do I or do I not possess complete purity in body and speech, flawless and untainted? Are these qualities present in me or not?’ For if they are not, there are undoubtedly people who will say: ‘Come now, practice correct bodily and verbal conduct yourself first.’ There are people who would say this. One who wants to admonish another should first further investigate: ‘Have I developed a mind of love, free from malice towards my fellows in the holy life? Is this quality established in me or not?’ If he has not, there are undoubtedly people who will say: ‘Come now, develop a mind of love yourself first.’ There are people who would say this.
A.V,79 (AN 10.44)
No comments:
Post a Comment