Deep Commentary

The Buddha compares the harm caused by an evil-directed mind to the harm an enemy inflicts upon another enemy. Why this comparison? An enemy's revenge causes harm in a narrow, individual scope. However, a mind directed towards evil—committing the ten unwholesome deeds—causes immense destruction. It harms not only oneself but many others and other living beings. It is a collective tragedy for society. Imagine if a person harboring deep malice also held immense power and authority; the disaster for humanity would be unimaginable! Human history clearly proves this. Cruel tyrants have caused untold suffering for their fellow human beings. Driven by insatiable ambition and a desire to conquer the world, they resort to any vicious means to satisfy their lust for power. But a person harboring such malice is already suffering. They torment and punish their own conscience. They never feel true peace or happiness because their 'success' is built on the corpses of others. How could their minds ever be at ease? Ultimately, they will pay a heavy price, reaping exactly what they have sown. This is why the Buddha offers the warning in this verse.