Deep Commentary

As ordinary beings, we live within the cycle of unwholesome karma, our minds shrouded in ignorance. Driven by this delusion, we commit many evil deeds, which eventually become our own enemies—this is what the Buddha means by 'walking the same path with an enemy.' Walking alongside an enemy leaves the mind with no peace, filled with constant anxiety and dread. Why is evil karma considered an enemy? Because when we commit a grave misdeed, such as taking a life, that act haunts us forever. Even if no external enemy seeks revenge, the enemy within our own mind tortures us second by second, leading to immense suffering. Thus, the Buddha states that those who create evil karma must inevitably endure its bitter fruits. This retribution manifests in two ways: present-life retribution and future-life retribution. In this life, the mental torment and remorse act as an internal prison. Even if human laws imprison the body, it is the prison of the mind that continuously inflicts suffering. True hell is facing one's own conscience in the dark of night, plagued by nightmares and restless sleep. Physical pain can heal, but the agony of a tormented conscience is a persistent, sharp pain that knows no end. As for future lives, the law of karma is absolutely impartial; evil actions invariably yield painful consequences. Therefore, the Buddha warns us to awaken and practice diligently, refraining from evil deeds. Instead, we should cultivate wholesome actions, which bring peace, happiness, and supportive companions, delivering us from the hands of the internal enemy.