Deep Commentary

This verse, along with the two that follow, relates to Sakka, the King of Gods. When the Buddha was elderly and suffering from dysentery, Sakka descended from his realm to personally nurse him. Despite the Buddha’s initial refusal—citing the natural aversion of heavenly beings to the odors of the human realm—Sakka persisted with unwavering devotion, even handling the Buddha’s waste, viewing it as a privilege to serve the Enlightened One. The Buddha remarked that it is a great joy to live in the company of the Noble, while association with the foolish brings only suffering. This story emphasizes the profound merit of serving a virtuous teacher, especially in times of illness, and highlights the importance of choosing a wholesome environment for one's spiritual journey.