Deep Commentary

This verse is part of a series taught by the Buddha at Jetavana concerning a large group of bhikkhus, particularly the story of Sona Kutikanna and his mother. While Sona was away, bandits looted his mother's home, but she remained calm, continued listening to Dhamma, and showed no attachment to her wealth. The bandit chief was so impressed that he returned everything, and the whole gang later ordained under Venerable Sona. The Buddha then taught this verse, which outlines the path of a monk who cuts off the five lower fetters (lust for the sensual realm, ill will, self-identity view, attachment to rites and rituals, doubt), abandons the five higher fetters (lust for the form realm, lust for the formless realm, restlessness, conceit, ignorance), cultivates the five faculties (faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration, wisdom), and overcomes the five attachments (greed, hatred, delusion, conceit, wrong views). Such a monk is called one who has crossed the flood of suffering and attained liberation.