Deep Commentary

This Dhammapada verse was taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery, concerning Elder Santakaya. According to the story, Venerable Santakaya was extremely careful in maintaining his deportment. Every gesture, action, and word was gentle, polite, and courteous. It is said that he was born from the womb of a lion. Lions, after finding prey, would enter caves of jewels and lie on a bed of powdered gold mixed with orpiment for seven days. On the seventh day, upon rising, they would examine the spot. If they saw any disturbance of the powder caused by their tail, ears, or four legs, they would think, 'This is not worthy of my lineage,' and would fast for another seven days, guarding themselves even more carefully. Only when no dust was stirred would they say, 'Now this is worthy of my lineage,' then leave the lair, yawn, stretch, look around, roar three times, and go hunting. Born from such a lion's womb, the elder was always calm. His dignified bearing impressed other monks, who told the Buddha: 'Venerable Sir, we have never seen any recluse like Venerable Santakaya. When walking, he never swings his limbs, never yawns or waves his arms about.' The Buddha said: 'Bhikkhus, a recluse should be like Elder Santakaya—peaceful in walking, standing, speaking, and thinking.' Then the Buddha spoke this verse. (Excerpted from Dhammapada Stories, Vol. III, p. 291). Although deportment is an external form, it plays a great role in conducting oneself and benefiting others. For monastics, maintaining proper deportment and subtle conduct is indispensable. A newly ordained monk is thoroughly taught the four postures: walking, standing, lying down, and sitting. Coarse, clumsy actions and speech show a lack of proper deportment. The virtue of a monastic is very noble. The Buddha and the patriarchs not only taught by word but also by example—embodying virtue through dignified conduct. To attain such dignified virtue, practitioners must uphold the precepts. By upholding precepts, the three actions of body, speech, and mind become pure. When the mind is settled, all worldly desires and pleasures disappear. That is to transcend worldly conditions and live in peace, leisure, and freedom. Therefore the Buddha said, 'I call them the serene ones'—another name for Nibbana.