Deep Commentary

This Dhammapada verse was taught by the Buddha at Jetavana, concerning the lay devotee Citta. According to the story, 'Citta was a layman rich in spiritual devotion, always respected whenever he visited the Buddha. Seeing this, Venerable Ānanda asked the Buddha: "World-Honored One! Is Citta respected only when he comes to see you, or is he also respected when visiting others?" The Buddha replied: "Ānanda, he is always respected, whether he visits me or anyone else, because he is full of faith, spiritual aspiration, and virtue. Such a person is honored wherever he goes." Thus, the Buddha spoke this verse. True faith is a sincere and rationally guided confidence. Faith is vital for a practitioner, especially for those following the Pure Land path, where faith is foremost among the three requisites: faith, practice, and aspiration. The Avataṃsaka Sūtra says: "Faith is the mother of all merit." Without faith, practice is like a tree without roots, destined to wither. Firm faith in the Triple Gem and in karma enables progress towards liberation. Faith must be grounded in wisdom; otherwise, it becomes superstition or blind belief. A practitioner who deeply trusts in wholesome teachings will maintain moral precepts, which not only restrain evil but encourage the cultivation of good deeds. Precepts and virtuous conduct support each other, but precepts are the foundation. All good qualities arise from adhering to precepts. Virtuous conduct influences others, but without it, one cannot even transform oneself, much less others. To cultivate moral conduct, a practitioner must study widely and apply what is learned. From this arises a generous and forgiving heart, able to let go of attachments to self, others, and all phenomena, attaining liberation. This reflects the practice of the Bodhisattva’s Four Immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity, with equanimity being most essential. Humility and respect, the 'Seven Noble Qualities,' support faith, precepts, learning, generosity, and wisdom. One equipped with these seven treasures commands respect wherever they go. This story shows that Citta, full of faith and virtue, was respected everywhere. True morality radiates from a genuine heart; appearances or proximity to virtuous teachers alone cannot inspire respect. Genuine virtue endures, falsehood cannot.'