1.33 Sopāka#

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

Notes#

Note

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.