Do Not Cling to Wrong Views: Lessons from the Monk Ariṭṭha in the Simile of the Snake

In the past, within the Sangha of the Buddha, there was a monk named Ariṭṭha. He had previously worked as a falconer, training birds for hunting, which is considered wrong livelihood. This monk stubbornly held onto a specific view. He claimed that although the World-Honored One taught that sensual pleasures are obstacles to practice, he personally saw no hindrance in them. When other monks tried to dissuade him, Ariṭṭha remained obstinate and refused to let go. This seemingly small story opens up profound lessons regarding merit, sin, right view, and how we correct errors in our spiritual life.

Those with merit easily find the truth. The first lesson this story suggests is the connection between merit and the ability to perceive truth. Venerable Thich Chan Quang emphasizes that people who possess merit naturally understand the Dharma more easily and find the truth. Conversely, those lacking merit often misunderstand what is right and grasp the truth incorrectly. We see this clearly in daily life. A person who lives kindly and knows how to sacrifice naturally feels affection when encountering the Buddha's teachings (Dharma) and understands lectures immediately. In contrast, someone who lives selfishly and constantly competes may hear excellent dharma talks but still feel indifferent inside. Merit is the foundation that allows the mind/heart to become clear and receptive to goodness. Therefore, if you find yourself admiring the Buddha's teachings, that is merit. If you remain apathetic toward what is right, it is a sign that negative karma is obscuring your path.

Sensual pleasures offer little joy, much suffering, and even greater danger. Ariṭṭha claimed that sensual pleasures do not hinder practice. The Buddha refuted this with a simple yet penetrating formula. He stated that worldly sensual pleasures bring little happiness, cause much suffering, and carry even greater dangers. Venerable Thich Chan Quang explains why this is so by asking us to look at wealthy people. Being rich brings joy, but achieving wealth requires hard labor, which is suffering. Protecting assets involves constant anxiety about theft, family disputes over inheritance, and conflicts among spouses—this is immense suffering. Consider drugs; while use brings temporary pleasure, finding money to buy them, enduring withdrawal pains, facing arrest, and ruining one’s life involve deep pain. Every worldly joy has a price. When you reflect on this, you realize the Buddha’s words are the truth. Those who have experienced great wealth or witnessed addiction understand that sensual pleasures are like a dry bone. You can lick it to taste something, but you cannot swallow it. They are like a pit of burning coals or a sharp stick. Those who indulge in them get hurt.

Is it stubbornness or steadfastness? The monk Ariṭṭha clung tightly to wrong views, listening to no one. Is this stubbornness or firm resolve? Venerable Thich Chan Quang clarifies that holding onto what is right is called steadfastness in principle. However, holding onto what is wrong is mere stubbornness. How do we know what is right and wrong? The teacher advises us to rely on the entire body of the Buddha's teachings and the moral character of the speaker. People with good ethics usually speak the truth because their merit helps them see clearly. If you observe someone who is kind, humble, and self-sacrificing, their words are likely correct. On the other hand, if someone is frequently angry, arrogant, or selfish, their statements are prone to error. Therefore, to maintain right view, we must constantly cultivate morality, because ethics walk hand in hand with truth.

Do not remain silent before the mistakes of others. The story of Ariṭṭha also teaches us valuable lessons about offering constructive criticism. When the other monks saw that Ariṭṭha was mistaken, they did not stay silent. They advised him, and later reported the matter to the Buddha. Venerable Thich Chan Quang states that ignoring the mistakes of others causes us to bear heavy negative karma. Today, many people misunderstand the teaching "do not look at the faults of others." Consequently, they remain silent even when friends make errors. This leads to two bad results. First, when you make a mistake later, no one will remind you. Second, whenever you enter a community, you will only encounter bad people because you failed to help build a better environment. To be reborn in holy realms, we must create good causes by helping and advising those who err so they can change. Advice must be given with compassion, avoiding criticism that causes harm. If they do not listen, you may report the issue to a teacher for intervention. The courage to offer advice is an important form of practice.

Fairness means listening to both sides. When the monks reported Ariṭṭha’s error, the Buddha did not rush to judgment. He called Ariṭṭha and asked, "Is it true that you hold such a view?" Venerable Thich Chan Quang praises this as the Buddha’s principle of fairness. Even though the Buddha already knew the truth, according to proper procedure, He still called the person involved to ask them directly, allowing them to voice their perspective. This is a lesson for us. When hearing someone speak ill of another, do not believe it immediately. Go and ask the person concerned to hear their side of the story. The truth may differ from what was reported. In spiritual practice and in life, we must learn to listen to both sides to make correct judgments. The Buddha acted this way, so we should follow His example. This is how we protect fairness and avoid causing unjust harm.

The lessons from the Simile of the Snake touch our hearts regarding merit, desire, our attitude toward practice, and how we treat others. Each of us should examine ourselves. Are we holding onto right view or wrong views? Do we dare to advise our friends with compassion? Do we listen fairly to both sides? Let us practice these principles in our daily lives. With each passing day, may we become better Buddhists, contributing to making the world a brighter place.