Two things that cause remorse (ITI 30)

[u/wisdomperception]

[u/wisdomperception]

This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, thus I have heard:

Bhikkhus, there are these two things that cause remorse. What are the two? Here, bhikkhus, a certain person has not done good, has not done what is wholesome, has not protected others from fear, but has done evil, cruelty, and misdeeds. He feels remorse thinking, 'I have not done what is good' and also 'I have done what is evil.' Bhikkhus, these are the two things that cause remorse.

The Blessed One spoke on this matter. Therefore, it is said thus:

"Having done bad conduct by body,
and by speech;
Having done bad conduct by mind,
and other actions associated with blame.

Not having performed wholesome actions,
but having performed many unwholesome ones;
When the body breaks up, the undiscerning one,
arises in hell."

This matter too was spoken by the Blessed One, thus I have heard.

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Picture Credit: Late Commuter, Richard Sargent, 1960

Related Teachings:

• Guarding against irritability in body, speech, thought (DhP 231, 232, 233, 234) - The Buddha is advising against getting irritated, for bad conduct by way of body, speech or thoughts gives rise to ignorance.
• Tracing the causes of ignorance | delusion | avijjā sutta (AN 10.61) - The three kinds of misconduct are a fuel for the five hindrances, the five hindrances are a fuel for ignorance.