The
one who really loves himself
Eversince King Prasenajit of Korsala had taken refuge with the Buddha, he made frequent visits to the Buddha to report on his own thoughts and findings in his practice, and hoped to gain the Buddha's endorsement or advice.
This day, he came to the Buddha again and said:" Buddha! I have been deliberating on what sort of person is the one who really loves himself, and what is the meaning of not loving oneself. My conclusion is that the one who acts, speaks and thinks evil is the one who does not love himself or herself, because this way of conducting oneself shows that one does not really care for oneself.
On the contrary, anyone who acts, speaks and thinks good is the one who really loves himself. Although one may not be aware of it, this way of conducting oneself shows that one cares about oneself. I wonder if this thinking of mine is correct."
Having heard this, the Buddha said approvingly:" My king! Just as you said, the person who acts, speaks and thinks evil does not really love himself or herself, and the person who acts, speaks and thinks good is the one who really loves himself or herself."
Pursuant to this, the Buddha said a gatha to endorse the view of the king:
If you know you can love yourself,
Do not get entangled in evil,
As all who do evil
Find it difficult to attain restful happiness.
