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41.Samyutta Nikaya 7, Sutta 16 - The Opposer

This event took place in Savatthi. At that time, there was a Brahmin named "The Opposer" living in Savatthi. The Opposer Brahmin thought to himself: "Why don't I go see the ascetic Gotama? Whatever the ascetic Gotama says, I will oppose him."


At that time, the Blessed One was walking in an open area. So, the Opposer Brahmin approached the Blessed One. As he came near, he said to the Blessed One who was walking: "Please speak the doctrine of the ascetic."


The Blessed One replied:

"Opposer, you need not oppose,

With a good heart and good words;

If there is impurity in the heart,

And it is full of anger,


"If one can let go of anger, 

And have less discontent in the heart;

Let go of resentment,

This is truly beautiful speech."


After hearing these words, the Opposer Brahmin said to the Blessed One: "Excellent, respected Gotama, excellent, respected Gotama... Please accept me as a lay disciple, taking refuge from this day forward for life."


This sutra presents a dialogue between the Buddha and a Brahmin named "The Opposer", profoundly reflecting the contest between arrogance and wisdom, and how to achieve inner peace through understanding and humility.


1. The Opposer's Identity:

   The name "Opposer" itself suggests his personality traits. He held a preconceived opposition to the teachings of the ascetic Gotama, displaying ignorance and arrogance towards the Buddha's teachings. Such attitudes are not uncommon in our daily lives, where many people rush to express opposition before deeply understanding something.


2. The Blessed One's Wisdom:

   When the Opposer Brahmin approached the Blessed One, the Buddha did not show aversion to his opposing attitude but responded with a calm demeanor. The Buddha's teaching emphasized the purity of mind and inner harmony, which is more important than mere words. This wisdom is worth pondering: how should we remain calm and deeply understand others' viewpoints when faced with opposition or criticism?


3. The Core of the Teaching:

   The Buddha mentioned "letting go of anger" and "letting go of resentment", which are important issues that practitioners must face. Anger and resentment not only affect our judgment but also hinder our ability to build good relationships with others. In modern society, many people are driven by emotions, neglecting inner peace and harmony.


4. The Opposer's Transformation:

   After hearing the Buddha's teaching, the Opposer Brahmin realized his mistake and actively requested to take refuge. This transformation is not only an acknowledgment of the Buddha's teachings but also a reflection on and letting go of his own arrogance. We can reflect on how many times in our lives we have missed true wisdom due to stubbornness.


5. Profound Inspiration:

   This story conveys several important insights:

   - The importance of humility: Maintaining a humble attitude is crucial in the process of learning and growth.

   - Inner peace: Only when we let go of anger and resentment can we truly understand and accept others' viewpoints.

   - The transmission of wisdom: True wisdom lies not only in verbal teachings but also in inner realization and practice.


Through this story, we are reminded to maintain an open mind in daily life, be willing to accept others' viewpoints, and strive to let go of inner attachments. When facing challenges and conflicts in life, we should resolve them with wisdom and compassion, rather than responding with arrogance and opposition. Such a change in mindset will bring more harmony and happiness to our lives.


This sutra profoundly expounds on the relationship between opposition and harmony, arrogance and wisdom, while demonstrating the Buddha's wisdom and ability to teach. Let's further analyze this story:


1. The Opposer's Mindset:

   The name and behavior of the Opposer Brahmin reflect a common human weakness: a preconceived negative attitude towards the unknown. This mindset stems from excessive attachment to self and fear of new ideas. In modern society, we often see people rejecting new possibilities due to fixed notions, which not only limits personal growth but also hinders social progress.


2. The Buddha's Response:

   Instead of directly answering the Opposer's question, the Buddha gave teachings aimed at his mindset. This method embodies the Buddha's wisdom: the key to solving problems lies not in debating content, but in adjusting attitudes. This inspires us to focus on the root of problems rather than surface phenomena when facing conflicts.


3. The Importance of the Heart:

   The Buddha emphasized that the importance of mindset surpasses words. This teaching is particularly important in modern society. In an age of information overload, we are often troubled by various opinions but neglect our inner feelings and attitudes. The Buddha's teaching reminds us that true wisdom and harmony come from inner purification.


4. The Wisdom of Letting Go:

   "Letting go of anger" and "letting go of resentment" are core to the Buddha's teachings. This is not only advice for psychological health but also a necessary condition for achieving higher levels of thinking and behavior. In a modern society full of stress and competition, learning to let go becomes increasingly important. It can help us maintain peace of mind and make wiser decisions.


5. The Power of Transformation:

   The Opposer's sudden transformation demonstrates the power of truth. When a person truly encounters wisdom, even the most stubborn attitudes can change. This inspires us to maintain an open mind, as true transformation can happen at any time.


6. Deep Reflection:

   This story raises a series of profound questions: Do we often play the role of "opposer" in our daily lives? Can we face opposition and conflict with wisdom and compassion like the Buddha? Do we have the courage to admit our mistakes and make changes?


7. Modern Significance:

   In today's world, facing cultural differences, political divisions, and social conflicts, the teachings of this story are particularly important. It tells us that the true solution lies not in hard confrontation, but in understanding, tolerance, and inner purification.


8. Personal Cultivation:

   For each individual, this story provides an opportunity for self-reflection. We can ask ourselves: Can we remain open and rational when faced with different opinions? Can we let go of prejudices and sincerely listen to others? Do we have the courage to acknowledge our limitations and be willing to learn and grow?


This brief yet profound story is not only an exposition of Buddhist doctrine but also a mirror illuminating human nature. It invites us to examine our inner selves, challenge our fixed notions, and encourages us to pursue higher wisdom and deeper understanding. In this world full of divergence and conflict, the Buddha's teaching points out a path towards harmony, understanding, and wisdom.


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