Deep Commentary

These two verses were taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery, relating to non-Buddhists. "When non-Buddhist ascetics received offered food, they would bless the donors: 'May you be peaceful, happy, and live long. May you not come to thorny, muddy places like such and such.' Thus they would dedicate merit, express gratitude, and then leave. As for the Buddha's Sangha, initially they did not dedicate merit; the monks simply received the food and left. People criticized: 'We hear words of thanks and blessings from the non-Buddhists, but the monks remain completely silent.' The monks reported this to the Buddha. The Buddha taught: 'Monks, when sitting in the dining hall or wherever you receive food, thank the donors for the food you receive and speak pleasantly to the donors when they sit nearby.' Thus the Buddha instructed the monks to dedicate merit to the donors. Upon hearing these words, people eagerly invited the monks to their homes to receive food and offered abundantly. The non-Buddhists criticized: 'We are saints and maintain silence, but Gotama's disciples chatter at the dining table and wherever they receive food.' When the Buddha heard this reported, he taught: 'I do not call anyone a saint merely because he is silent. Many people remain silent out of ignorance, lack of faith, or sometimes out of stinginess, not wanting others to learn what they know. Therefore, I say that one is not a saint just because he is silent. Only one who has escaped the defilements of desire is a saint.' On that occasion, the Buddha spoke this verse." (Excerpt from The Dhammapada Story Collection, Volume III, Vien Chieu, p. 96)