Thag 1.33 — Sopāka (1st)

Text

Thag 1:33 Sopāka

Just as one would be good
to one’s dear only child,
one should be good to all creatures
everywhere.1

Note

1. Notice how this image differs from a similar image in Sn 1:8:

As a mother would risk her life
    to protect her child, her only child,
    even so should one cultivate the heart limitlessly
    with regard to all beings.

Whereas the image here draws a parallel between being good to one’s child and being good to others, the image in Sn 1:8 draws a parallel between protecting one’s child and protecting one’s limitless attitude of goodwill to all beings.