Deep Commentary

These two Dhammapada verses were taught by the Buddha at Bamboo Grove Monastery, concerning a bhikkhu who strayed from the Sangha. A bhikkhu left the community and became close friends with a bhikkhu from Devadatta's group, staying with him for several days. Other bhikkhus reported that he had joined Devadatta's group out of craving for material offerings. The Buddha questioned him; he confirmed the visit but said he did not agree with Devadatta's views. The Buddha said that although he did not hold wrong views, his spiritual stance was unstable and easily swayed. The Buddha then told the story of an elephant named Damsel-Face, who became violent after hearing bandits' harsh words but later became gentle again after listening to Brahmins discussing the Dhamma. That elephant was this easily influenced bhikkhu. The Buddha concluded: 'A bhikkhu should be content with what he receives and not crave what others have. If he craves, he will never attain meditative concentration, wisdom, or noble fruits. If he is content with what he has, he will have everything.' Then he spoke these two verses, teaching that one should neither despise one's own attainments nor envy the gains of others.