Deep Commentary

The Buddha taught this verse at the Jeta Grove regarding the minister Santati. Rewarded with seven days of rulership by King Pasenadi, Santati spent the time in utter indulgence. When his favorite dancer suddenly died, he was overwhelmed with grief and went to the Buddha. Upon hearing the Dharma, he realized the impermanence of life, instantly attained Arahantship, and soon passed away. Though other monks doubted how a reveller could attain enlightenment, the Buddha explained that his past karma was ripe. This story illustrates that worldly pleasures inevitably harbor suffering. Impermanence is the nature of existence. However, extreme grief can sometimes trigger profound awakening—turning disaster into a blessing. The Buddha emphasizes that a true practitioner must diligently observe and control the mind. As great Zen masters have taught, "Reflecting upon oneself is the fundamental duty; it cannot be obtained from others," and "True sight is seeing one's own faults, not others'." Whether ordained or lay, anyone who sincerely purifies their mind, avoids harming others, and cultivates compassion can achieve liberation.