Deep Commentary

The Buddha specifically addressed this teaching to fully ordained monastics (Bhikkhus). A monastic takes a profound vow: to strive for enlightenment above and to save all sentient beings below. With such a lofty aspiration, how could they possibly live a heedless life? If a monastic is heedless, the goal of liberation is impossible to achieve. Therefore, not only do they maintain strict vigilance over themselves, but when they see others living heedlessly, they feel deep compassion and concern. They fear that those heedless individuals will fall into suffering, not just in this life but for many lifetimes to come. The Buddha compares those Bhikkhus who live with heedfulness, actively practicing and staying awake, to a blazing fire. This fire has the power to burn away all fetters and defilements, whether they are deeply rooted or minor attachments.