Deep Commentary

This verse was taught by the Buddha at the Bamboo Grove regarding Sariputta's uncle, who spent heavily on daily alms to Jain ascetics, hoping for heavenly rebirth. Sariputta brought him to the Buddha to show him the true path. Sentient beings possess different spiritual inclinations, shaped by past karma. Some fall into wrong views, relying entirely on external deities for salvation. However, with guidance from a true master, they can return to the right path. The Buddha often debated and converted leaders of other sects, including Sariputta and Moggallana. Others lack fixed beliefs, wandering aimlessly and worshipping random animistic spirits or household items out of blind faith. Sariputta's uncle sought heavenly rebirth—a good act, but limited. The Buddha aimed to elevate him toward ultimate liberation. Worldly merit is exhaustible; once depleted, one falls back into suffering. Offering to a true practitioner, who guides one toward the ultimate truth, yields boundless merit compared to centuries of blind rituals. True offering means nurturing one’s pure Dharma body, transcending dualistic desires. According to the Sutra of Forty-Two Chapters, merit increases exponentially as the recipient's spiritual realization deepens, culminating in offerings to the Buddhas. Yet, the highest offering is to the state of 'No-thought, No-abiding, No-cultivation, and No-attainment'—the ultimate realization of equality and the unconditioned nature of the Buddhas.