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.
