The monk who abides in universal love and is deeply devoted to the Teaching of the Buddha a ttains the peace of Nibbana, the bliss of the cessation of all conditioned things.
The monk who abides in universal love and is deeply devoted to the Teaching of the Buddha attains the peace of Nibbana, the bliss of the cessation of all conditioned things.
Deep Commentary
This verse is part of a series taught by the Buddha at Jetavana concerning a large group of bhikkhus, particularly the story of Sona Kutikanna and his mother. Sona ordained under Venerable Kaccana and later went to see the Buddha. While Sona was away, bandits broke into his mother's home. She remained calm, continued listening to Dhamma, and showed no concern for her wealth. The bandit chief was so impressed that he returned everything, and the whole gang later ordained under Venerable Sona. The Buddha then taught that a monk who abides in compassion and takes joy in the Dhamma attains the peace of Nibbana.
This verse from Dhammapada 368 highlights the path to Nibbana. It explains that a monk who cultivates universal love (mettā) and is deeply committed to the Buddha's teachings can achieve the ultimate peace of Nibbana. This peace is described as the bliss of the cessation of all conditioned things, meaning freedom from suffering and the cycle of existence.
The story of Sona Kutikanna and his mother illustrates this. His mother's calm devotion to the Dhamma even amidst a robbery exemplifies the profound peace that arises from such practice. This deep devotion and compassion lead to the cessation of mental defilements and the realization of Nibbana.
How does cultivating universal love resonate with your own practice?
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