When You See Others Make Mistakes, Do Not Rush to Criticize

Have you ever seen a fellow practitioner in the monastery make a mistake and wondered what you should do? Should you criticize them, remain silent, or gently offer advice? In our spiritual life, no one is free from errors. However, it is our attitude toward the mistakes of others that determines whether we are truly living according to the Buddha's teachings (Dharma).

Everyone Makes Mistakes

Practitioners also have dreams and ideals. From ordinary beings stepping into the noble path, we must tread over countless errors. Venerable Thich Chan Quang reminds us:

"On the path we are cultivating, we still make mistakes. This means we are overcoming them one by one. We correct one error, then another, surpassing each obstacle step by step."

Therefore, when we see others err, we must recognize that they too are on the path of self-correction. There is nothing surprising about this.

Criticism: The Trap of the Ego

When witnessing someone’s fault, we may react in three ways: criticism, indifference, or assistance. Criticism is the most dangerous, as it stems from pride. Venerable Quang analyzes:

"Criticism involves attacking, being harsh, and broadcasting that person’s faults to everyone. This arises when our mind holds heavy attachment to self (anatta), and our compassion is weak; thus, we attack that person."

Behind every critical word lies a hidden psychology: we want to feel superior. When others stumble, we secretly think, "I did not stumble, so I am better than them." This is why many people speak ill of one another, seeking to prove their ego.

Do Not Ignore Each Other’s Faults

The attitude of indifference hides coldness. If we see a fellow practitioner err and do nothing, we are allowing them to walk down the path of karma. Venerable Quang warns:

"If we leave that person alone without saying anything, what will happen later? Think about it, teachers. What will it become? It becomes a habit of bypassing elders."

A small mistake, if left unaddressed, grows into a bad habit, eventually becoming a great disaster. Practitioners cannot afford to be indifferent to the spiritual training of their companions.

Helping Each Other Correct Mistakes with Love

The right attitude follows the Middle Way: neither criticizing nor ignoring. Those with compassion feel deep sorrow when their brothers or sisters err, knowing they will bear the karmic consequences. Venerable Quang teaches:

"First, we feel sorrow because we know that if our brother or sister has this fault, they will suffer a corresponding result in the future."

Then, we find a way to advise them, helping them recognize their error, but we do not spread the news, protecting their dignity. This is true love within the Dharma.

Small Errors Lead to Great Disasters

Venerable Quang recounts a story: a novice monk received offerings and chose the best portion for himself. Although he did not break any precepts, this was a manifestation of selfishness. The teacher said to him:

"If you take something good, it means another brother or sister will not receive something good. If you accept something lesser, it means another brother or sister will avoid receiving something lesser."

There are also those who leave the monastery urgently without asking permission, thinking it is not serious. But if this becomes habitual, it turns into a pattern of disregarding discipline, eventually leading to abandoning the precepts entirely. Venerable Quang emphasizes:

"Some early mistakes seem trivial, but if we allow them to persist, those individuals will become corrupted within the Sangha."

Thus, when we see our fellow practitioners err, we must help them correct themselves immediately, using loving speech, rather than leaving them alone.

Live with Great Aspirations

Practitioners hold a beautiful dream ahead. Even though we still have many faults, our ideals must not be small. Venerable Quang teaches:

"A practitioner must be like this. Our aspirations are not allowed to be small. We must dream of an ideal that reaches absolute perfection."

Great aspirations help us overcome our own errors, and they also enable us to view others with compassion and understanding.

When you see others making mistakes, remember that you are not perfect either. Instead of criticizing or ignoring, let your heart feel sorrow and offer gentle guidance. Help each other correct faults with love, for every mistake overcome is a step forward for the flourishing of the Buddha's teachings (Dharma). Begin today, starting with those closest to you, to build a pure and warm Sangha.