Deep Commentary

These six verses were taught by the Buddha at Trúc Lâm Monastery and relate to a young boy, the son of a woodcutter. In the city of Vương Xá, two boys—one a Buddhist, the other from a non-Buddhist family—often played ball together. The Buddhist boy, by habit, would recite “Namo Buddha” when throwing the ball. The non-Buddhist boy would recite “Namo Arahant.” The Buddhist boy usually won, and the non-Buddhist boy, noticing this, imitated the practice. One day, after gathering firewood, the boy and his father stopped at a graveyard outside the city to eat. Later, their ox joined other cattle entering the city. The father ran after it, but when he returned, it was dark and the city gates were closed. That night, the boy slept alone under the cart. While asleep, two spirits appeared: one malevolent, one benevolent. The malevolent spirit tried to harm him, but the benevolent one intervened. The malevolent spirit ignored warnings and grabbed the boy’s legs. Following habit, the boy recited “Namo Buddha” in his sleep, causing the malevolent spirit to flee. The benevolent spirit said they would be punished and guarded the boy all night. Meanwhile, the malevolent spirit secretly brought food from the palace on a golden plate. The two spirits cared for the boy like parents. Before leaving, they wrote a note on the plate narrating the story, instructing only the king could read it. The next day, the golden plate was missing from the palace. After searching, it was found with the boy, who was brought to the palace. The king, astonished, asked for explanation. The boy and his father did not understand what had occurred. The king then took them to see the Buddha and asked, “World-Honored One, does recollecting the Buddha provide protection, or do recollecting the Dharma and other objects also confer it?” The Buddha replied, “O great king, recollecting the Buddha is not the sole means of protection. A true practitioner who deeply contemplates the six subjects does not require any external safeguard, mantra, or herb.” (End of story summary). Based on this, the Buddha taught the verses above. Verse 298 emphasizes recollection of the Sangha. The Sangha represents harmonious, respectful community living according to the Six Harmonies. Externally, this is manifested through mutual understanding and affection among fellow practitioners. Internally, each person possesses inherent pure and harmonious nature. Recognizing and living in accord with this pure nature constitutes true refuge in the Sangha. In essence, the Buddha reminds followers to place deep trust and mindfulness in the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. Living in harmony with these principles cultivates a noble, peaceful, and liberated life.