Deep Commentary

This verse was taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery, in connection with a certain Brahmin. Before there was a rule prohibiting the admission of runaway servants into the Sangha, a servant belonging to a Brahmin once came and asked to be ordained. He was accepted into the Sangha and, before long, attained arahantship. The Brahmin searched everywhere for him but could not find him. One day, the Buddha led that arahant into the city for alms. When the Brahmin saw him at the city gate, he seized the monk’s robe. The Buddha turned and asked, “Brahmin, what is the matter?” The Brahmin replied, “Master Gotama, this man is my servant.” The Buddha said, “Brahmin, the burden has fallen from him.” Hearing this, the Brahmin immediately understood that the man had attained arahantship. He asked again, “Is that truly so, Master Gotama?” The Buddha confirmed, “Yes, the burden has indeed been laid down.”

In the Buddha’s time, Indian society was divided into four rigid social classes. The Brahmins held religious authority and presided over rituals and sacrifices. The Kshatriyas were rulers and nobles who held political power. The Vaishyas were merchants, landowners, and those responsible for economic affairs. The Shudras were treated as the lowest class, often forced into lifelong service to the upper classes. This was one of the deepest injustices of society before and during the Buddha’s time.

The Buddha challenged and broke down these unjust barriers. He opened the path equally to all people, without distinction of status, wealth, birth, or social rank. Whether a person was learned or uneducated, noble or poor, respected or despised, the Buddha taught and guided them according to their capacity. Even those rejected by society could, through his guidance, become noble and virtuous people.

The story above is a clear example. A servant came to the Buddha seeking ordination, and the Buddha accepted him into the Sangha. In that strongly hierarchical society, this was a profound spiritual revolution. Although the Buddha faced opposition from the world around him, he firmly upheld a teaching of equality: every being possesses the potential for awakening, and anyone who practices sincerely and realizes the truth can attain liberation.

This is a teaching that honors the equal spiritual freedom of all human beings. Therefore, the Buddha remained steadfast, overcoming opposition from every direction. In his Sangha there were people from every background, from the wealthy and noble to the poor and lowly. Yet once they entered the Sangha and lived together, such divisions were to be left behind. All were expected to practice diligently and advance toward the fruit of the path. Apart from a few who caused discord, the community lived by harmony, discipline, and noble conduct.

For this reason, the Buddha said that such people had cast off the heavy burden of defilements and found peace in liberation. One who has done so, the Buddha declared, is truly worthy to be called a Brahmin.