Dhammapada 252
Others' faults are easy to see
Others' faults are easy to see; your own are hard to see. You winnow others' faults like chaff, but hide your own as a cheat hides a losing throw from a gambler.
Translated from the Pāli by Banya
Pāli
Sudassaṁ vajjamaññesaṁ,
attano pana duddasaṁ;
Paresaṁ hi so vajjāni,
opunāti yathā bhusaṁ;
Attano pana chādeti,
kaliṁva kitavā saṭho.
In plain words
Other people’s faults are easy to see, while your own are hard to see. Someone scatters others’ faults like chaff but hides their own like a cheat hiding a losing throw from a gambler; the exact gaming detail is uncertain.
Key words
- vajja
- fault — The same word applies to others and oneself.
The story behind the verse
Treasurer Ram
In the commentary, Treasurer Meṇḍaka, whose name Burlingame renders as Ram, possessed extraordinary wealth. The commentary describes abundant resources and unusual powers in his household, and It explains those circumstances through earlier generous deeds. The Buddha traveled to meet him, and Followers of other teachers tried to prevent Meṇḍaka from going out to greet the Buddha. They criticized the Buddha in their attempt to deter him, and the Buddha taught about seeing others’ faults easily while concealing one’s own.
Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).
To reflect on
What fault do you readily notice elsewhere but rarely examine in yourself?
Try it today
Before sharing a criticism, examine whether the same fault appears in one of your actions.
Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.