Seeing the Faults of Others is Easy, Seeing Our Own is Hard: A Lesson from the Dhammapada on the True Nature of the Noble Ones

The difference between a noble one and an ordinary person begins with how they view faults. By learning from the Dhammapada, we understand why it is so easy to scrutinize the mistakes of others yet difficult to see our own. We also learn how to transform our mind/heart toward liberation.

On his way to hear the Buddha teach, a wealthy elder was stopped by a group of ascetics who spoke ill of the Buddha and the four assemblies of disciples. Yet he remained calm and continued on his path. Through his absolute pure faith, he attained the fruit of Stream-Entry during that very first dharma talk. This story, recorded in the Dhammapada, reveals a profound lesson about the distinction between the noble ones and ordinary beings.

The Verse: Others’ Faults are Like Chaff, Our Own Like Gold

In verse sixty-three, the Buddha teaches:

"It is easy to see the faults of others, but hard to see one’s own. One sifts through others’ errors like searching for chaff in rice, while covering up one’s own mistakes like a cheat hiding dice."

The imagery is vivid. When others err, we spot their flaws instantly, as if picking out husks from grain. But when we err, we conceal them skillfully, like a thief hiding stolen goods. Why? Because ordinary beings always strive to protect the ego. Seeing others’ faults makes us feel superior, but seeing our own wounds the self.

A person of wisdom understands that only by facing our own errors can we step onto the noble path.

How Do Noble Ones View the Faults of Others?

Venerable Thich Chan Quang explains clearly:

"When a noble one sees someone’s fault, they admonish with compassion and discretion. That is the mark of a saint. But when an ordinary person sees a fault, they dig into it, gossip, and complain loudly."

Reflect on your daily life. When a friend acts selfishly, do you share the story with others? Or do you offer gentle, private feedback rooted in love? If you merely wish to boast that you spotted their error, you are living in an ordinary mind/heart. But if you feel sorrow for them and wish to help, while ensuring they keep their dignity and you avoid becoming a gossip—that is the quality of a noble one.

The Buddha gives us a clear standard: the first difference between the holy and the ordinary lies in our attitude when witnessing others’ faults.

Noble Ones Seek Their Own Faults; Ordinary People Make Excuses

Ordinary people constantly defend themselves: "I am not wrong; they misunderstood me; it was the circumstances..." Noble ones do the opposite. The Venerable teaches:

"With each day forward, you see more of your own faults. With each step, your errors reveal themselves, from coarse to subtle, from shallow to deep. This is the sign of a noble one."

Indeed, when the mind/heart is still ordinary, we see faults in everyone else. But as the mind/heart becomes pure, we increasingly notice the subtle errors within ourselves. It is like a dusty room where dust on a mirror is invisible until the glass is clean; then even a tiny speck stands out. As practitioners advance, they recognize the refined imperfections they still carry.

Fearing Pride is a Sign of a Noble One

During a meditation session, a student told the Venerable that he felt he possessed the three qualities of a Stream-Enterer: reverence for the Buddha, altruism, and non-attachment to rigid rules. However, he feared this might lead to pride. The Venerable replied:

"That fear of pride is itself the sign of a noble one. But if one is proud and does not realize it, feeling delighted at being better than others—that is delusion, that is ordinary, not holy."

This truth is subtle. In practice, we may have special experiences or spiritual powers. If we take pleasure in feeling superior, that is the seed of arrogance. But if we glimpse valuable qualities in ourselves yet worry about becoming arrogant, that very concern reflects the mind/heart of a noble one. Saints are always humble, aware that many subtle faults remain to be corrected.

Begin by Seeing Your Own Faults

In conclusion, the lesson of the Dhammapada is not for judging others, but for illuminating ourselves. Practice daily: when you see someone’s fault, pause and ask, "Do I have a similar flaw? How can I help them with compassion?" Simultaneously, become sensitive to your own errors, correcting even the smallest mistakes. This is the first step onto the noble path, the road to enlightenment and liberation.

May you all remain diligent, seeing your own faults without forgetting to transform them into purity and compassion.