The term focusing on one’s flaws is nowadays commonly understood to mean finding fault with others — but this is not its true meaning. Its full and original meaning is this: to set the mind in a state of loving kindness as a wholesome intention, and to look carefully so as to help another person emerge from their wrongdoing. For example, when a friend conducts themselves in a manner that is inappropriate, one looks carefully and then considers how to help that friend so that:
First, they will no longer cause themselves harm and distress through such conduct; and
Second, they will no longer cause distress to others.
Therefore, the term focusing on flaws in its original sense does not mean finding fault. Rather, it means to look carefully until one perceives the harmful consequences — and then, with a mind of loving kindness, to counsel, advise, and help correct — so that the person may be freed from the harm that would otherwise befall them: harm to their own wellbeing, harm to their character, harm to the collective, and the impediment it creates to their continuing to do good. The present-day understanding of focusing on one’s faults, however — that of finding fault and scrutinizing others — must not be conflated with the original meaning. The two must be kept entirely distinct.
April 18th, 2018
