Deep Commentary

This Dhammapada verse was taught by the Buddha at Pubbarama, concerning the novice Sumana. According to the story, in a past life during the time of Buddha Padumuttara, a young man named Anabhara wished to become foremost in divine eye. He invited Buddha Padumuttara for offerings for seven days and nights and made a vow to attain divine eye under a future Buddha. Buddha Padumuttara prophesied that after one hundred thousand aeons, during the time of Buddha Shakyamuni, he would become foremost in divine eye. That young man was reborn as Anuruddha, a Sakyan prince and the Buddha's cousin. After ordaining, Anuruddha had a habit of sleeping during teachings. The Buddha scolded him, comparing him to a shellfish. Ashamed, Anuruddha practiced strenuously for seven days and nights without closing his eyes, causing blindness. The Buddha compassionately taught him the meditation on light, and he soon attained divine eye, able to see the entire universe. Thus he became foremost in divine eye among the Buddha's ten chief disciples. He had a young novice disciple named Sumana. Though only seven years old, Sumana had attained arahantship. Other bhikkhus often teased and pulled his ears, not realizing his attainment. Once, Anuruddha asked the eldest novice to fetch water for the Buddha's foot-washing, but he refused. All the novices refused until Sumana accepted. When he brought the water, the Buddha asked his age. Sumana replied seven. The Buddha then allowed him to receive full ordination. Others grumbled, but the Buddha told them: 'Bhikkhus, even a young bhikkhu can attain realization in my teaching if he is diligent.' (End of story summary). In Buddhism, spiritual attainment is not distinguished by age or gender. However, in terms of Vinaya, hierarchy is based on seniority of ordination. Those who have ordained longer and cultivated well are naturally respected. Yet seniority alone does not guarantee high esteem if one lacks moral virtue. Moral virtue is the true measure. We should not judge superficially by appearance. A young person may have deep spiritual power from past lives, surpassing older practitioners in both wisdom and virtue. Thus the Buddha said that even a young bhikkhu can attain realization if diligent. In other words, anyone—young or old, monastic or lay—who diligently practices, purifies defilements, and transforms body and mind can achieve the fruits of the path.