When Healthy Criticism Becomes Treasure: Lessons from Venerable Rādha (Dhammapada 76) Reflections by Bhante Dr. Chandima

1. Value Criticism as Hidden Treasure (nidhīnaṃ’va pavattāraṃ)

The verse likens constructive criticism to a nidhi (treasure) revealed by a guide. Venerable Rādha, who was overlooked by many, embraced Sāriputta’s admonishments as treasure, not insult. Similarly, in the story of Venerable Channa (SN 22.90), when corrected by the Buddha and the Saṅgha for his arrogance, the rebuke—though stern—was a turning point leading him to arahantship. Thus, admonishment received in the right condition is a wealth that frees one from delusion.

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2. Choose Wise Companionship (tādisaṃ paṇḍitaṃ bhaje)

The Buddha instructed to associate with a paṇḍita (a wise person) who reproves out of compassion. Rādha’s fortune lay in following Sāriputta. In the Mahāgosinga Sutta (MN 32), the Buddha praised the value of noble companions like Sāriputta and Moggallāna, whose mutual guidance sustained their progress. Just as Rādha’s obedience bore fruit, choosing companions who uplift rather than flatter leads one closer to realization.

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3. Cultivate Humility (medhāviṃ niggayhavādiṃ)

The medhāvin (truly wise person) points out faults (vajjadassī) and guides through admonition (niggayhavādī). Rādha’s humility in performing small services prepared his heart for the higher training. Similarly, in the story of Venerable Sīvali (ThaAp 545), his patience and humility during long austerities resulted in blessings as the foremost recipient of offerings. In both cases, humility before guidance is the seed of wisdom.

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4. Reciprocate Gratitude (pubbakataññutā)

The Buddha emphasized the spoonful of rice that Rādha once gave Sāriputta. This small act of kindness became the doorway to liberation. Gratitude is often regarded as a rare quality in the world. To remember even the smallest kindness, as Sāriputta did for Rādha, is to embody this noble virtue.

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5. Be Receptive to Guidance (bhajamānassa seyyo hoti)

Rādha listened to Arahant Sāriputta’s instructions without resistance, which led him quickly to arahantship. The phrase seyyo hoti (“it leads to the better”) shows how discipleship transforms. A parallel is found in the story of Cūḷapanthaka (Dhammapada 25), who, though considered slow, attained arahantship by following the Buddha’s simple instruction to rub a cloth while reciting. Obedience to wise counsel, even if difficult or simple, bears extraordinary fruit.

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6. Do Not Take Offense When Corrected (na pāpiyo)

The verse assures that following admonishment wisely brings improvement, never downfall (na pāpiyo). Rādha became a model of this attitude, never showing resentment.  Taking correction without anger ensures growth rather than decline.

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7. Recognize the Hidden Potential in Others

The Buddha saw Rādha’s destiny for arahantship when others only saw an old beggar. This recalls the story of Angulimāla (MN 86), a feared bandit whom the Buddha recognized as capable of awakening and who became an arahant. Both cases remind us not to dismiss others by outward conditions, for potential (upanissaya) lies hidden until revealed by wise guidance.

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8. Constructive Reproach as Loving Guidance (vajjadassinaṃ niggayhavādiṃ)

The Pāli emphasizes that one who sees faults (vajjadassin) and admonishes (niggayhavādi) is not an enemy but a benefactor. Rādha’s progress depended on this compassionate reproach. Similarly, in the story of Devadatta, the Buddha’s repeated warnings—though rejected—were acts of compassion, intended to correct his harmful course. Where correction is received like Rādha, it liberates; where it is rejected like Devadatta, it leads to downfall. Thus admonition, when wisely accepted, is loving guidance in disguise.