Deep Commentary

These two verses were taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery, relating to the Elder Lakuntaka Bhaddiya. According to the story, "One day, Venerable Lakuntaka entered to serve as the Buddha's attendant, and as he went out, thirty forest-dwelling monks saw him. They came to see the Buddha, paid homage, and sat to one side. The Buddha perceived that all thirty were capable of attaining arahantship, so he asked: 'Did you see the elder who just went out?' 'No, Lord, we did not.' 'Did you not see him?' 'We saw only a novice (samanera).' 'Monks, that was not a novice; that was an elder.' 'He is still too young, Lord!' 'I do not call one an elder simply because he is old, because he sits in the elder's seat; but one who comprehends the truth and treats others well, that one is an elder.' On that occasion, the Buddha spoke these two verses." (Excerpt from The Dhammapada Story Collection, Volume III, Vien Chieu, p. 90)