Deep Commentary

This Dhammapada verse was taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery, concerning Venerable Sāriputta. According to the story, Venerable Sāriputta attained stream-entry upon hearing the first verse taught by his teacher Assaji. From then on, Venerable Sāriputta always directed his mind with reverence and bowed to Teacher Assaji. Other bhikkhus, seeing this, remarked: "Venerable Sāriputta follows a wrong path, every day bowing to the four directions." Then they informed the Buddha, and the Buddha asked Sāriputta if this was so. Venerable Sāriputta replied: "Whether it is so or not, surely the Blessed One understands me." Thereupon, the Buddha told the bhikkhus: "Sāriputta does not pay homage to the directions. It is simply because he reveres Venerable Assaji, the first person from whom Sāriputta heard the Dhamma, that he does so. A contemplative respects the teacher of the Dhamma just as a Brahmin reveres the sacred fire." (End of story summary). The main emphasis of this verse is on reverence for the Dhamma. The Buddha's teaching aims to lead people to complete awakening and liberation—meaning no longer having to undergo the suffering of wandering in birth and death. Although the Buddha taught according to the listener's capacity, ultimately his sole intention was that very purpose. With such a profound and subtle teaching, if we are indifferent or disrespectful while listening, we incur great fault. Only by respecting the Dhamma will we make the effort to listen earnestly. Here, the Buddha compares two important matters: "the reverence in listening to the Dhamma is like the Brahmin's reverence in worshipping the fire god." Fire worship is of supreme importance in Brahminism. Likewise, to grasp the essential meaning of a Dhamma talk, we must listen with wholehearted attention and sincerity. Only then will our listening not be in vain. In the story above, Venerable Sāriputta's respect for the Dhamma and for the teacher who taught it caused misunderstanding and dissatisfaction among the community. Whenever Sāriputta recalled the profound gratitude of Teacher Assaji for reciting the verse that led to his awakening and attainment of stream-entry, he directed his mind toward that teacher to bow in homage. This was an expression of gratitude to the first teacher who led him to the path of liberation. Yet others, not understanding this noble quality of gratitude, reacted with mockery and ridicule. Reflecting carefully, this happens in every age. Lack of understanding easily leads to misunderstanding, which in turn causes hurt and disharmony among fellow practitioners. May everyone take heed of the Buddha's teaching in this verse and the accompanying story, so as to avoid unfortunate misunderstandings.