an.3.132 Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numbered Discourses)

Inscriptions

“Monks, there are these three types of individuals to be found existing in the world. Which three? An individual like an inscription in rock, an individual like an inscription in soil, and an individual like an inscription in water.

“And how is an individual like an inscription in rock? There is the case where a certain individual is often angered, and his anger stays with him a long time. Just as an inscription in rock is not quickly effaced by wind or water and lasts a long time, in the same way a certain individual is often angered, and his anger stays with him a long time. This is called an individual like an inscription in rock.

“And how is an individual like an inscription in soil? There is the case where a certain individual is often angered, but his anger doesn’t stay with him a long time. Just as an inscription in soil is quickly effaced by wind or water and doesn’t last a long time, in the same way a certain individual is often angered, but his anger doesn’t stay with him a long time. This is called an individual like an inscription in soil.

“And how is an individual like an inscription in water? There is the case where a certain individual—when spoken to roughly, spoken to harshly, spoken to in an unpleasing way—is nevertheless congenial, companionable, & courteous. Just as an inscription in water immediately disappears and doesn’t last a long time, in the same way a certain individual—when spoken to roughly, spoken to harshly, spoken to in an unpleasing way—is nevertheless congenial, companionable, & courteous. This is called an individual like an inscription in water.

“These are the three types of individuals to be found existing in the world.”

- Translator: Thanissaro Bhikkhu

- Editor: Gabriel Laera

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Etchings

“Mendicants, these three people are found in the world.
What three?
A person like a line drawn in stone, a person like a line drawn in sand, and a person like a line drawn in water.
And who is the person like a line drawn in stone?
It’s a person who is often angry,
and their anger lingers for a long time.
It’s like a line drawn in stone, which isn’t quickly worn away by wind and water, but lasts for a long time.
In the same way, this person is often angry,
and their anger lingers for a long time.
This is called a person like a line drawn in stone.
And who is the person like a line drawn in sand?
It’s a person who is often angry,
but their anger doesn’t linger long.
It’s like a line drawn in sand, which is quickly worn away by wind and water, and doesn’t last long.
In the same way, this person is often angry,
but their anger doesn’t linger long.
This is called a person like a line drawn in sand.
And who is the person like a line drawn in water?
It’s a person who, though spoken to by someone in a rough, harsh, and disagreeable manner, still stays in touch, interacts with, and greets them.
It’s like a line drawn in water, which vanishes right away, and doesn’t last long.
In the same way, this person, though spoken to by someone in a rough, harsh, and disagreeable manner, still stays in touch, interacts with, and greets them.
This is called a person like a line drawn in water.
These are the three people found in the world.”