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← Aṅguttara Nikāya

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AN 3.132 · Lekhasutta

A quiet forest path opens beneath dark trees in gentle moonlight.

“Mendicants, these three individuals are found in the world. What three? An individual like a line drawn in stone, an individual like a line drawn in sand, and an individual like a line drawn in water.

And who is the individual like a line drawn in stone? It’s an individual 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, an individual is often angry, and their anger lingers for a long time. This is called an individual like a line drawn in stone.

And who is the individual like a line drawn in sand? It’s an individual 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, an individual is often angry, but their anger doesn’t linger long. This is called an individual like a line drawn in sand.

And who is the individual like a line drawn in water? It’s an individual 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, an individual, though spoken to by someone in a rough, harsh, and disagreeable manner, still stays in touch, interacts with, and greets them. This is called an individual like a line drawn in water.

These are the three individuals found in the world.”

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Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato · SuttaCentral · CC0

This translation is an expression of an ancient spiritual text that has been passed down by the Buddhist tradition for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is dedicated to the public domain via Creative Commons Zero (CC0). You are encouraged to copy, reproduce, adapt, alter, or otherwise make use of this translation. The translator respectfully requests that any use be in accordance with the values and principles of the Buddhist community. In particular, please do not use this work in AI training datasets, for the development of any AI model or algorithm, or in any AI-derived technologies.

Published source. Translation wording and order are preserved; source headings and notes are retained, with navigation and formatting adapted for this reader.

The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork for Buddhist Atlas, an evocative companion rather than a historical depiction.