Deep Commentary

The Buddha taught this verse at the Jeta Grove concerning Elder Kala. This monk was supported by a laywoman in Rajagaha who cared for him like a son. Hearing of the Buddha's profound teachings, she wished to attend a discourse. Fearing he would lose her patronage, Kala tried to prevent her from going. Unwavering, she went anyway. Kala followed her and spoke rudely to the Buddha. Knowing his intentions, the Buddha admonished him: "Do not be arrogant! Driven by wrong views, you malign the teachings of the Buddhas, only to bring harm upon yourself."

This story highlights the dangers of ego, jealousy, and selfishness. Kala feared that exposing his supporter to greater wisdom would threaten his own comfort. The laywoman, however, demonstrated deep spiritual determination by prioritizing the Dhamma over her teacher's selfish objections, showing wisdom in distinguishing right from wrong.

Kala’s disrespectful behavior teaches a crucial lesson: overvaluing material gain and personal status destroys one's spiritual foundation. In modern society, an imbalance favoring materialism over spiritual values leads to a loss of humanity, where people act blindly out of ignorance and desire. For spiritual leaders, sectarianism and jealousy undermine harmony and the core of spiritual guidance. We must rely on the Buddha's wisdom to discern truth in a complex world. As the verse warns, those who slander the true Dhamma through malicious views only bring about their own destruction, much like a bamboo plant that dies after bearing fruit.