Overview
The Buddha frequently used striking natural metaphors to describe the psychological traits of human beings. In assessing how individuals handle anger and resentment (dosa), he categorized them into three types based on how long their ill-will lasts.
The List
- Pāsāṇalekhūpamo - Like a carving in rock: A person whose anger is deeply etched into their mind. Even when time passes, they hold onto grudges tightly, like a line carved into solid stone that cannot be erased by wind or water.
- Pathavīlekhūpamo - Like a drawing in the earth: A person who gets angry quickly, but their anger fades after some time, just as a line drawn in the dirt is eventually erased by the wind and rain.
- Udakalekhūpamo - Like a drawing in water: A person who, even when spoken to harshly or abused, does not let anger take root. Their mind remains undisturbed, just as a line drawn in water instantly vanishes the moment it is traced.
Textual References
- Canonical: Lekha Sutta (AN 3.133) – The Buddha explicitly uses these three similes to teach monks the importance of cultivating an unshakeable, forgiving mind.