The Light of Reflection

On one occasion, our Great Teacher, the Supreme Buddha was residing in the Veluwana Monastery of the city of Rajagaha. During this time, most venerable Rahula was residing in a nearby location known as Ambalattika. In the afternoon, arising from the blissful stages of concentration, the Blessed One went to where Ven. Rahula resided. There, the Supreme Buddha gave invaluable advice to Ven. Rahula, who was still training in the path to Nibbana.

Let us learn and reflect on the great advice given to Ven. Rahula by our Supreme Teacher.

The Supreme Buddha to his son: How do you consider this, Rahula: What is a mirror for?

Ven. Rahula: For reflection, Sir.

The Supreme Buddha: In the same way, Rahula, bodily acts, verbal acts, and mental acts are to be done with constant reflection.


Consider wisely before doing a bodily action

Whenever you want to do a bodily act, then you should reflect: This bodily act I want to do, would it result in misery to myself, to the misery of others, or to both?

Is it a detrimental bodily act with painful consequences, painful results?

If, on reflection, you come to know that it would lead to your own misery, to the misery of others, or to both, and it would be a harming bodily act with painful consequences, painful results, then certainly you should not do such a bodily action.

But if on reflection you know that it would not cause misery. That it would be an advantageous bodily action with happy consequences and pleasant results, then you should pursue such an action with the body.


Consider wisely while doing a bodily action

While you are doing a bodily act, you should reflect: This bodily act I am doing now, does it lead to self-misery, to the misery of others, or to both? Is it a detrimental bodily act, with painful consequences, painful results?

If, on reflection, you come to know that it is leading to self-misery, or to the misery of others, or to both, then you should instantly stop doing it! But if on reflection you know that it is not disadvantageous to anybody, then, you may continue with it.


Consider wisely after doing a bodily action

Having done a bodily act, you should again reflect...

If, on reflection, you come to know that it led to self-misery, to the misery of others, or to both; that it was a detrimental bodily act with painful consequences, painful results, then you should confess it, reveal it, and lay it open to the teacher or to a knowledgeable friend in the holy life. Having confessed it, you should exercise restraint and self-control in the future.

But if on reflection you know that it did not lead to misery, that it was an advantageous action with happy consequences, happy results, then you should stay mentally elated and joyful, training day and night in wholesome things.


... (similarly for verbal acts...)


Consider wisely before thinking

Rahula, whenever you want to do a mental action, you should reflect on it: This mental action I want to do, would it result in misery to myself, to the misery of others, or to both?

Is it a detrimental mental action with painful consequences, painful results?

If, on reflection, you come to know that it would lead to your own misery, to the misery of others, or to both, and it would be a harming mental action with painful consequences, painful results, then certainly you should not do such an action with the mind. But if on reflection you know that it would not cause misery. That it would be an advantageous mental action with happy consequences and pleasant results, then you should pursue such an action with the mind.


Consider wisely while thinking

While you are doing a mental action, you should reflect: This mental act I am doing now, does it lead to self-misery, to the misery of others, or to both? Is it a detrimental mental act, with painful consequences, painful results?


If, on reflection, you come to know that it is leading to self-misery, or to the misery of others, or to both, then you should instantly stop doing it! But if on reflection you know that it is not disadvantageous to anybody, then, you may continue with it.


Consider wisely after thinking

Having done a mental act, you should again reflect...

If, on reflection, you come to know that it led to self-misery, to the misery of others, or to both; that it was a detrimental mental act with painful consequences, painful results, then you should be concerned, ashamed, disgusted regarding that mental action.

Rahula, feeling concerned, ashamed and disgusted, you should exercise restraint and self-control in the future.

But if on reflection you know that it did not lead to misery, that it was an advantageous mental action with happy consequences, happy results, then you should stay mentally elated and joyful, training day and night in wholesome things.


The only way

Rahula, all past bhikkhus and recluses who purified their bodily, verbal and mental acts, did it through repeated reflection on their bodily, verbal and mental acts in exactly this way.

All the future bhikkhus and recluses and all the bhikkhus and recluses who at present purify their bodily, verbal and mental acts, do it by repeated reflection on their bodily, verbal and mental acts in this same way.

Therefore, Rahula, you should train yourself:

I will purify my bodily acts by repeated reflection.

I will purify my verbal acts by repeated reflection.

I will purify my mental acts by repeated reflection.

Thus should you train yourself!


(Ambalattika Rahulovada Sutta - MN 61)

May you always be well and happy!

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