Calm is his thought, calm his speech, and calm his deed, who, truly knowing, is wholly freed, perfectly tranquil and wise.
Calm is his thought, calm his speech and calm his deed, who, truly knowing, is wholly freed, perfectly tranquil and wise.
Deep Commentary
The Buddha spoke this verse regarding a young novice monk (Samanera) who had attained Arahantship, and his teacher, Elder Tissa. Once, Tissa accidentally struck the novice's eye with a fan, blinding him in that eye. To spare his teacher from guilt and sorrow, the novice endured the pain in silence and hid the injury. When Tissa finally discovered the truth, he was deeply moved. This story illustrates that true virtue and spiritual attainment are not determined by age, titles, or worldly academic degrees, but by the purity of one's mind. An Arahant has completely eradicated defilements, so their mental, verbal, and physical actions are always calm and free from resentment. In Buddhist practice, profound morality and inner realization are far more valuable than mere intellectual knowledge.
This verse describes an Arahant, a perfected one, whose thoughts, speech, and actions are profoundly calm. This tranquility arises from true knowing – the deep realization that leads to complete freedom from defilements.
As illustrated by the story of the novice monk, an Arahant's inner purity transcends external circumstances, age, or worldly achievements. Their mind is so free from resentment and defilements that even in pain or adversity, their responses remain calm and wise. This highlights that genuine spiritual attainment is rooted in inner realization and profound morality, not merely intellectual understanding.
What does "true knowing" mean to you in your practice?
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