227. O Atula! Indeed, this is an ancient practice, not one only of today: they blame those who remain silent, they blame those who speak much, they blame those who speak in moderation. There is none in the world who is not blamed.
This being the case it seems that the best we can do is to cultivate an inner refuge. I am still in the habit of looking to others for approval and praise which means I’m yet a prisoner to their blame. But, knowing that blame comes irrespective of our attempts to avoid it does help to put it in context.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
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