Deep Commentary

This verse is part of a series taught by the Buddha at Jetavana concerning a large group of bhikkhus, particularly the story of Sona Kutikanna and his mother. After Sona ordained and went to stay near the Buddha, bandits broke into his mother's home. She remained calm, continued listening to the Dhamma, and showed no concern for her wealth. The bandit chief was so impressed that he returned everything, and the entire gang later ordained under Venerable Sona. The Buddha then used the simile of a boat filled with water: a monk must bail out the water of lust and hatred. Just as an empty boat sails quickly, a monk free from greed and hatred swiftly reaches Nibbana.