Deep Commentary

These two Dhammapada verses were taught by the Buddha at Bamboo Grove Monastery, concerning a bhikkhu who strayed from the Sangha. According to the story, a bhikkhu at Bamboo Grove left the community and became close friends with a bhikkhu from Devadatta's group. Due to their intimate friendship, he went to stay with that bhikkhu for several days. Upon returning, other bhikkhus reported him to the Buddha, saying that because he craved material offerings, he had joined Devadatta's group. The Buddha called him and asked. The bhikkhu confirmed the report but stated he did not agree with Devadatta's views. The Buddha said that although he did not follow wrong views, his spiritual stance was unstable and easily swayed by others. In the past, he had done the same. The Buddha then told the story of an elephant named Damsel-Face. Though gentle, the elephant became unruly and violent after hearing the harsh words of bandits. Later, it became gentle again after listening to Brahmins discussing the Dhamma. That elephant was this easily influenced bhikkhu. The Buddha concluded: 'A bhikkhu should be content with what he receives and not crave what others have. If he craves thus, he will never attain meditative concentration, wisdom, or noble fruits. If he is content with what he has, he will have everything.' Then he spoke these two verses. (End of story summary). The Buddha teaches us not to feel inferior or despise ourselves. Chan Master Guishan said: 'That person is a great hero; so am I.' One should not self-deprecate and retreat. The Buddha taught that every sentient being has the same enlightened, pure nature as himself. The difference lies only in practice, or between delusion and awakening. The saying 'I am the Buddha who has already attained; sentient beings are the Buddhas who will attain' is a clear affirmation. The important thing is to examine whether we truly practice accordingly and diligently eradicate defilements. If so, we will surely become Buddhas. To admire what others have attained is to seek outwardly and depend on others—something Buddhism rejects. Buddhism teaches self-reliance. We must recognize our own inherent Buddha-nature. As fire is inherent in wood, with diligent rubbing, it will ignite. Each person eats and is full for themselves; each person practices and attains for themselves. Buddhism is perfectly equal in this respect. If we constantly seek outward or rely on others' attainments, we will never gain liberation. Conversely, we should not become arrogant or despise others when we have some peace and purity. The Buddha teaches us to practice diligently and normally—that is the right way.