Deep Commentary

This verse was taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery and concerns the story of a young man named Anitthigandha Kumàra. According to the account, Kumàra, having been reborn from the Brahma heaven, came into a noble family in the city of Sāvatthī. From birth to adulthood, he had no desire to be near women. Despite repeated advice from his parents to marry, he refused each time. At one point, he commissioned artisans to craft a statue of an exquisitely beautiful maiden. When his parents insisted he wed, he pointed to the statue and declared, 'I will marry only a woman as beautiful as this statue.' To fulfill his wish, his parents sent the statue around to find such a woman. One day, it was placed by a bathing pond, and someone remarked that it resembled their daughter exactly. Indeed, there was a young woman, even more beautiful than the statue. Hearing this, Kumàra secretly rejoiced and eagerly anticipated meeting her. Unfortunately, on her way to his home, the girl fell ill and died. Kumàra's hopes were instantly shattered, and he was plunged into deep grief. Observing this, the Buddha, seeing the potential to lead him to enlightenment swiftly, visited Kumàra's home and was warmly received with offerings. The Buddha gave extensive counsel, finally summarizing: 'Kumàra, grief arises from attachment; sorrow and fear spring from desire.' Upon hearing this, Kumàra attained the stage of Stream-Enterer. The story illustrates how human suffering, both physical and mental, often stems from unfulfilled desires and attachments. Despite his privileged upbringing, Kumàra experienced profound distress over the unattainable woman, highlighting the intense power of desire and attachment. The Buddha's timely guidance freed him from the overwhelming tide of longing, demonstrating the necessity of understanding and renouncing sensual attachments. In contemporary terms, many young people similarly suffer from the anguish of love, yet without wise guidance like Kumàra received. The verse thus serves as a warning: by clinging to worldly pleasures and desires, one cultivates only grief, worry, and fear. True freedom and peace come from abandoning all sensual cravings.