Never Identify People by External Appearance – The Truth Beyond Looks
Introduction
Have you ever judged someone based on their outfit, the car they drive, or how they speak? Most of us have. Society often teaches us to evaluate people based on their appearance, status, and reputation. But is this the right way to recognize a person’s true nature? History, religion, and psychology all suggest otherwise.
Our great teacher, the Buddha, has already provided profound wisdom on this matter. The Satta Jatila Sutta offers an insightful answer. Let’s explore this teaching while understanding why appearances are deceptive and how we can truly recognize a person’s real character.
Why Do People Judge Others Based on Appearance?
- Cultural Conditioning: From childhood, we are taught to associate good appearances with good character.
- Social Status Illusions: Expensive clothing, luxury cars, and social reputation create an illusion of superiority.
- First Impressions Bias: Studies show that people form opinions within seconds of meeting someone.
- Media Influence: Movies and advertisements promote the idea that successful people look a certain way.
The Danger of Judging by Appearance
1. People Get Cheated
Fraudsters often use attractive appearances to deceive others. Many scams occur because victims trust someone who looks respectable or wealthy.
2. People Miss True Friends and Opportunities
Some of the most genuine and kind-hearted individuals may not have flashy appearances. Judging them unfairly can cause lost friendships and missed opportunities.
3. Young People Cheat Each Other
Without understanding deeper teachings like the Satta Jatila Sutta young individuals deceive and get deceived, sometimes leading to tragic consequences like suicide or crime.
Who Was King Kosala?
King Kosala was a powerful ruler who often visited the Buddha. Despite his wealth and status, he sought wisdom beyond appearances. His interactions with the Buddha demonstrate the importance of understanding the true essence of a person rather than their external form.
Understanding the Satta Jatila Sutta
The Satta Jatila Sutta teaches us that outward appearances do not determine inner purity. Seven ascetics (Jatila) dressed as monks were assumed to be virtuous, but they lacked real wisdom and morality. The Buddha exposed their hypocrisy, emphasizing that true virtue comes from one’s actions and intentions, not clothing or reputation.
Key Lessons from the Sutta:
- Robe or external attire does not make a true monk; inner qualities do.
- Actions and thoughts define purity, not mere words or appearance.
- Hypocrisy can be hidden behind religious or respectable facades.
How to Identify a Person’s True Nature
1. Observe Their Actions Over Time
A kind person consistently shows kindness, even when no one is watching.
2. Listen to How They Speak About Others
People who gossip or belittle others often lack sincerity.
3. See How They Treat Those Below Them
The way someone treats waiters, cleaners, or subordinates reveals their true character.
4. Look Beyond Wealth and Status
A person’s financial or social status does not define their morality.
5. Assess Their Consistency in Values
Are they the same person in private as they are in public? Hypocrisy is a red flag.
For a deeper understanding, I encourage you to read the Satta Jatila Sutta.
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Seven Matted-Hair Ascetics
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in the stilt longhouse of Migāra’s mother in the Eastern Monastery.
Then in the late afternoon, the Buddha came out of retreat and sat outside the gate. Then King Pasenadi of Kosala went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side.
Now at that time seven matted-hair ascetics, seven Jain ascetics, seven naked ascetics, seven one-cloth ascetics, and seven wanderers passed by not far from the Buddha. Their armpits and bodies were hairy, and their nails were long; and they carried their stuff with shoulder-poles.
Then King Pasenadi got up from his seat, arranged his robe over one shoulder, knelt with his right knee on the ground, raised his joined palms toward those various ascetics, and pronounced his name three times: “Sirs, I am Pasenadi, king of Kosala! … I am Pasenadi, king of Kosala!”
Then, soon after those ascetics had left, King Pasenadi went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him, “Sir, are they among those in the world who are perfected ones or who are on the path to perfection?”
“Great king, as a layman enjoying sensual pleasures, living at home with your children, using sandalwood imported from Kāsi, wearing garlands, fragrance, and makeup, and accepting gold and currency, it’s hard for you to know who is perfected or on the path to perfection.
You can get to know a person’s ethics by living with them. But only after a long time, not casually; only when attentive, not when inattentive; and only by the wise, not the witless. You can get to know a person’s purity by dealing with them. … You can get to know a person’s resilience in times of trouble. … You can get to know a person’s wisdom by discussion. But only after a long time, not casually; only when attentive, not when inattentive; and only by the wise, not the witless.”
“It’s incredible, sir, it’s amazing, how well said this was by the Buddha. …
Sir, these are my spies, my undercover agents returning after spying on the country. First they go undercover, then I have them report to me. And now when they have washed off the dust and dirt, and are nicely bathed and anointed, with hair and beard dressed, and dressed in white they will amuse themselves, supplied and provided with the five kinds of sensual stimulation.”
Then, understanding this matter, on that occasion the Buddha recited these verses:
“It’s not easy to know a man by his appearance.You shouldn’t trust them at first sight.For undisciplined men live in this worlddisguised as the disciplined.
Like a fake earring made of clay,like a copper halfpenny covered with gold,they live hidden in the world,corrupt inside but impressive outside.”
Why Understanding This Can Save Lives
Many tragic incidents occur due to misplaced trust in appearances. Young people, in particular, suffer heartbreaks, betrayals, and even life-threatening situations because they fail to assess a person’s true nature correctly. Teachings like the Satta Jatila Sutta and Pabbatupama Sutta can prevent such tragedies by fostering wisdom and awareness.
Conclusion
External appearances are deceiving. True character is found in one’s actions, words, and values. Teachings from the Buddha, like the Satta Jatila Sutta, provide a timeless lesson on recognizing real virtue. Instead of judging by what we see, let’s learn to observe deeper, think critically, and value people for who they truly are.
FAQs
1. Why do people judge others by appearance?
People judge by appearance due to social conditioning, media influence, and first impressions. It’s an instinctive but flawed way of assessing character.
2. What does the Satta Jatila Sutta teach?
It teaches that true virtue comes from inner qualities, not outward appearances. Even those dressed as monks can be deceitful if they lack real wisdom.
3. Who was King Kosala, and why is he important?
King Kosala was a wise ruler who often sought guidance from the Buddha. His story reminds us that even powerful individuals recognize the importance of looking beyond appearances.
4. How can we identify a genuine person?
By observing their actions, how they speak about others, how they treat those below them, and their consistency in values.
5. What are the dangers of judging by appearance?
It can lead to being deceived, missing valuable relationships, and even serious consequences like financial scams or emotional distress.
Namo Buddhaya!
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