Deep Commentary

This verse was taught at Jetavana Monastery regarding a family of three. In Savatthi, a couple had an only son whom they sheltered and loved dearly. Devoted Buddhists, the parents once invited the Buddha and his monks for a meal. Upon hearing the monks chant, the son was inspired to renounce the world. Knowing his parents would refuse, he lied to his mother and ran away to the monastery to become a monk. When the father discovered his son had taken vows, he also decided to renounce worldly life, followed by the mother after she found them both at the monastery. Despite their ordination, the three remained emotionally attached and frequently sought each other out to socialize. The Buddha reproached them for this attachment, teaching that while their renunciation was commendable, their remaining worldly craving hindered their spiritual progress. He emphasized that true practice requires internal reflection and the release of emotional bonds rather than seeking external distractions.