2nd June

153. What are the eight bucking people and their eight faults? Concerning this, when one is reproved by one of his fellows, he sidesteps the matter and pleads forgetfulness, saying: ‘I don’t remember. I don’t remember doing that.’ Just as a bucking horse, when prodded and urged on by his driver, bucks and twists the carriage round with his hind legs, this person is like that.

Or, on being reproved by his fellows, he blurts out: ‘What right have you to speak, you ignorant fool? Who are you to speak?’ Just as a bucking horse jumps back and batters the carriage railing and breaks the triple bar, this person is like that.

Or, on being reproved by his fellows, he retorts: ‘Well, you also have done such things. Fix yourself first!’ Just as a bucking horse loosens his hind legs from the pole and tramples on it, this person is like that.

Again, when one is reproved by one of his fellows, he evades the question, turns the issue aside and shows umbrage, anger and sulkiness. Just as a bucking horse takes the wrong road and makes the carriage sway, this person is like that.

Or again, on being reproved, he speaks to the assembly with much gesticulation. Just as a bucking horse rears high and strikes out with his hooves, this person is like that.

Yet again, on being reproved, he disregards the assembly and his accuser and continues to offend just as before. Just as a bucking horse takes no notice of his driver or the whip and pulls his bit, this person is like that.

Once again, on being reproved, he says: ‘I am not guilty, and I don’t care what you say,’ and he annoys the assembly by his silence. Just as a bucking horse, when urged on, goes neither back nor forward, but stands still like a post, this person is like that.

And finally, when one is reproved by one of his fellows he says: ‘Sirs, why should you worry so much about me? I will give up the training and return to the ordinary life. I hope you are satisfied.’ Just like a bucking horse, when whipped and urged forward by the driver, draws his legs together and just sits down, this person is, I say, just like that.

A.IV,192 (AN 8.14)