Deep Commentary

This verse was taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery in connection with Venerable Vaṅgīsa. In Rājagaha there was a brahmin named Vaṅgīsa who claimed that by tapping a dead person’s skull he could know where that person had been reborn. Other brahmins used him to deceive people and collect money. They dressed him in a strange way, publicized his ability, and people came with offerings to ask about the rebirth of deceased relatives. Wandering from place to place, they exploited grief and belief. One day they came to Sāvatthī near Jetavana. Seeing people going to hear the Buddha, they tried to persuade them to consult Vaṅgīsa instead. After debate, it was agreed that Vaṅgīsa should meet the Buddha. Knowing the situation, the Buddha placed five skulls in a row. Vaṅgīsa correctly identified the destinations of four, but could not determine the fifth, which belonged to an arahant. He then asked the Buddha to teach him this knowledge. The Buddha said he would teach him only if he ordained. Vaṅgīsa agreed, received a meditation subject, practiced, and soon attained arahantship. The story reminds us that ordinary beings do not know clearly where they come from at birth or where they go after death. People naturally wish to know the destiny of departed loved ones. Yet future rebirth depends on present karma: wholesome actions lead to fortunate results, unwholesome actions to suffering, and mixed actions to mixed results. If one wants a good future destination, one must examine one’s bodily, verbal, and mental actions now. Life is brief, and everyone must move on, as if changing residence. Therefore we should prepare a good destination through virtue and wisdom. More deeply, the most secure place of happiness is right here and now, when the mind is awake. The story also warns against those who exploit people’s grief and faith for profit. Deception may fool many, but it cannot deceive true wisdom. Before the Buddha’s clear insight, Vaṅgīsa’s skill reached its limit. The path of liberation begins when pride falls and one turns sincerely toward the Dharma.