Deep Commentary

Remorse is one of the indeterminate mental factors in Buddhist psychology. It can manifest in both wholesome and unwholesome ways. What is unwholesome remorse? For example, if you plan to steal a beautiful object but forget to do so because you get distracted, and later regret not stealing it—that is unwholesome remorse. On a more severe level, if someone commits murder in an uncontrollable fit of rage, they will deeply regret their action afterward. Even though this remorse shows a lingering conscience, the karma has been created, and the retribution will follow. The act cannot be undone, and the agonizing guilt within one's own conscience will offer no peace. The court of conscience delivers a relentless and fitting punishment. Because this type of regret creates a massive obstacle on our spiritual path, the Buddha advises in verse 15 to avoid committing evil deeds. Once an evil karma is forged, we cannot escape the consequences, and our minds will perpetually be restless and anxious. To maintain a peaceful mind, it is best not to plant evil seeds. Some people spend their entire lives in fearful anxiety over a single cruel act they committed. Though invisible, the deed haunts them until their dying breath. To avoid this disastrous outcome, we must remain mindful in all our actions. Before doing anything, we should consider its consequences. A person who lives with such cautious mindfulness will enjoy joy and benefit in every moment. In verse 16, the Buddha shows us the exact opposite image: if we constantly create wholesome karma, such as saving lives and helping others, we will feel joy and happiness anywhere, at any time. We will go to sleep with a gentle smile and have peaceful dreams, reflecting a serene and untroubled soul. If we find such peace in this life, we need not worry about the next. By putting the Buddha's teachings into practice, we will discover true happiness—a priceless joy we create ourselves, which money cannot buy. Let us try to experience this and realize the beautiful, profound results of a mindful life.