MN62, Bhikkhu Bodhi at Bodhi Monastery (lectures 143 and 144)

[ngoonera]

There is a helpful post by Ajahn Brahmali on the topic of MN 62 here:

Ekottarika Āgama 17.1 (To Rāhula)

The Pali commentary fills in some of the gaps. Here is the relevant footnote from Ven. Bodhi’s translation: While Rāhula was following the Buddha, he noted with admiration the physical perfection of the Master and reflected that he himself was of similar appearance, thinking: “I too am handsome like my father the Blessed One. The Buddha’s form is beautiful and so too is mine.” The Buddha read Rāhula’s thought and decided to admonish him at once, before such vain thoughts led him into greater…

Thank you for mentioning this interesting series of talks; I will try to listen to them.