Hard to find is the thoroughbred man (the Buddha); he is not born everywhere. Where such a wise man is born, that clan thrives happily.
Hard to find is the thoroughbred man (the Buddha); he is not born everywhere. Where such a man is born, that clan thrives happily.
Deep Commentary
The Buddha spoke this verse at Jetavana Monastery regarding a question posed by Venerable Ananda. Ananda wondered about the lineage of noble beings, noting that the Buddha had previously spoken of noble breeds of elephants, horses, and leopards. The Buddha explained that true nobility is not determined merely by geography or status, but by the accumulation of merit and past actions. The appearance of a 'noble one' (a Sage or Buddha) is rare and brings great blessings to the environment and society. The verse teaches that rather than relying on birth, one should strive to cultivate virtue and morality, for it is through such conduct that one becomes a noble person, bringing peace to one's family and society at large.
This verse from Dhammapada Chapter 14, Verse 193, highlights the rarity and profound impact of a truly enlightened being, like the Buddha. It emphasizes that such a "thoroughbred man" is not born everywhere, meaning their appearance in the world is an exceptionally rare and precious event.
The verse also states that "Where such a wise man is born, that clan thrives happily." This signifies that the presence of an enlightened being brings immense blessings, not just to their immediate family or lineage, but to the entire environment and society. It underscores the idea that true nobility comes from accumulated merit and virtuous actions, rather than mere birthright or status.
This teaching encourages us to cultivate virtue and morality, understanding that such conduct is what truly makes one noble and contributes to the well-being of all. What virtues might you cultivate to bring peace to your own life and those around you?
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