Deep Commentary

This verse was taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery, relating to the Venerable One-Verse, the arahant Ekuddāna. According to the story, Venerable One-Verse lived alone in the forest and knew only a single verse: "The recluse of lofty thoughts, diligent, practicing in silence. That recluse’s mind is ever tranquil, always mindful, without defilements." Whenever the Venerable recited this verse on the Uposatha day, the devas praised it. One day, two monks who were both well-versed in the scriptures arrived with a thousand followers at the Uposatha hall. Venerable One-Verse was delighted to see so many monks gathered. He said that the devas would applaud loudly when they heard the Dhamma. But that day, no applause came, even though these monks taught extensively about the discipline. While everyone was wondering, as soon as Venerable One-Verse finished reciting his verse, the devas applauded in praise. The monks returned to the monastery and reported this to the Buddha. The Buddha taught: "Monks, I do not call one versed in the Dhamma merely because he knows or recites many scriptures. But one who knows even a single verse, understands the truth, that person is truly one versed in the Triple Basket." On that occasion, the Buddha spoke this verse.