Deep Commentary

These two verses were taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery, relating to the story of Hatthaka. The story goes that whenever Hatthaka lost a debate, he would say: "Let's go to such and such place at such and such time to conclude the discussion." Then he would arrive early at the appointed place and announce: "Look! Those non-Buddhists are so afraid of me that they dare not come. So they have lost." He always used this method whenever he was losing. The Buddha heard that Hatthaka was acting this way, so he summoned him and asked: "Hatthaka, is it true that you do this?" "Yes, Lord." "Why do you do that? A person who does wrong cannot be called a samana, even if his head is shaven. One who corrects all faults, great and small, is truly a samana." On that occasion, the Buddha spoke these two verses.