He who reveres those worthy of reverence, the Buddhas and their disciples, who have tra nscended all obstacles and passed beyond the reach of sorrow and lamentation – he who reveres such peaceful and fearless ones, his merit none can compute by any measure.
He who reveres those worthy of reverence, the Buddhas and their disciples, who have transcended all obstacles and passed beyond the reach of sorrow and lamentation – he who reveres such peaceful and fearless ones, his merit none can compute by any measure.
Deep Commentary
The Buddha spoke this verse in connection with a Brahmin who showed deep reverence for an ancient shrine. When the Buddha manifested a golden stupa of the past Buddha Kassapa, he explained that there are four types of beings worthy of veneration and offerings: Buddhas, Paccekabuddhas, Arahants, and Universal Monarchs (Chakravartin). The teaching highlights that offering (puja) is not merely an external act of material giving, but a profound expression of inner respect and spiritual connection. True merit arises when one honors those who have transcended defilements, fear, and sorrow. The Buddha further teaches that while external offerings support the Sangha and sustain the Dharma, the ultimate offering is the internal cultivation of a mind free from afflictions, which nourishes one's own spiritual wisdom.
This verse from the Dhammapada emphasizes the immeasurable merit gained by revering those who are truly worthy: the Buddhas and their disciples. These are beings who have overcome all defilements, transcended suffering, and achieved a state of peace and fearlessness.
The act of reverence (puja) is not just an external offering, but a deep expression of inner respect and spiritual connection. By honoring those who embody liberation, one cultivates a mind that aspires to similar freedom from afflictions. This internal cultivation, rather than just material giving, is the ultimate offering and the source of boundless merit.
How does cultivating respect for enlightened beings influence your own practice?
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