Deep Commentary

This verse was taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery in connection with the Elder Tissa Pabbhāravāsī. According to the story, after receiving a meditation subject from the Buddha, Tissa went deep into the forest to dwell and practice. He found a secluded cave suitable for meditation. Rejoicing, he resolved to remain there and fulfill the true purpose of a renunciant’s life. He entered the cave and practiced in solitude. The female spirit who lived in the cave became displeased and tried to harm him. Yet no matter how she searched, she could find no fault in this virtuous monk. The next day, when Tissa went for alms, a devoted woman invited him to her home and offered him food. She made a vow to support him throughout the three-month rains retreat, and Tissa accepted. Meanwhile, the spirit in the cave assumed that the monk would leave because someone had invited him to receive offerings elsewhere. But after waiting for a long time, she saw that he did not go away. Disappointed, she thought, “It is difficult to live with such a virtuous ascetic. I must find a way to accuse him and make him leave this place.” Having made this plan, the spirit went to the home of the woman who regularly offered food to Tissa and possessed the woman’s young son. The child suddenly rolled his eyes and foamed at the mouth. The mother cried out in fear. The spirit told her to seek help from the monk Tissa and to give the child medicine made from the pupil of the eye. The mother refused. The spirit repeated the demand twice, and each time she refused. On the third time, the spirit told her to use the water that had washed Tissa’s feet and sprinkle it on the child’s head. This time she agreed, and the child recovered. After receiving his meal, Tissa returned to the cave. The spirit stood at the entrance, greeted him, and praised him as a skilled healer. Tissa asked why she said such a thing. The spirit replied, “Because you sprinkled water on the child’s head and cured him. Therefore you are a healer.” Hearing this, Tissa reflected, “I have done a great wholesome deed,” and he was filled with joy. Although the female spirit harshly rebuked and tried to drive him away, he did not show the slightest anger. Through deep contemplation and mastery of his emotions, he attained arahantship at that very moment. After the three-month retreat, Tissa returned to the monastery. When the monks learned what had happened, they reported it to the Buddha, thinking that Tissa had spoken falsely. The Buddha said, “Monks, my son is not angry. He does not indulge in idle association with laypeople; he lives in solitude, with few desires and contentment.” A life of solitary retreat more easily nourishes the mind and strengthens virtue than life amid noise and distraction. From ancient times, contemplative masters who wished to deepen their spiritual strength often sought quiet places for retreat. This can be seen in the lives of many great practitioners throughout Buddhist history. Yet such practice also depends on climate, social conditions, and the circumstances of each age. In a peaceful society with a suitable environment, seeking solitude is less difficult. But in times of war, unrest, or harsh climate, such as extreme heat or cold, practicing in forests and mountains becomes much harder. It also requires firm resolve and courage. Still, solitary retreat can bring deep inner peace. The heart becomes lighter, freer, and more at ease when the practitioner is determined to seek liberation from suffering and entanglement. Such retreat does not mean escaping society. While one is alive, one still breathes, eats, drinks, and depends in some measure on the surrounding world. Retreat is a time for the practitioner to cultivate inner strength more deeply. Later, according to conditions, one may return to teach the Dharma and help beings. The story above shows clearly the patient and resolute will of the monk Tissa. Although the spirit tried to slander him and drive him away, he endured patiently and continued practicing in the cave until he fulfilled his aspiration. A solitary life of purity in a remote cave is difficult to endure unless one has a spirit that rises beyond worldly attachments and is firmly resolved to realize the path. Therefore, to accomplish the mission of spiritual practice and awaken to truth, a practitioner must bravely and decisively overcome all obstacles and hardships. Only then can the noble aspiration of one who has gone beyond the world be fulfilled, the Dharma lineage be sustained, and benefit be brought to all beings.