Deep Commentary

This verse was spoken by the Buddha at the Jetavana Monastery, in connection with the Venerable Śāriputra. Before setting out on a journey for alms, Śāriputra was counting the monks who would accompany him but inadvertently omitted one monk. That monk became angry and falsely accused the Buddha. The Buddha called the monk to inquire about the cause, and the monk explained himself. Other monks also spoke, clarifying the situation, and the Buddha realized the monk had indeed made a false accusation. From this incident, the Buddha taught the lesson contained in this verse. The verse illustrates three metaphors to describe an Arahant whose mind is free of anger: 1. Level ground. 2. A steadfast pillar (unda-yet-la). 3. A deep pond without mud. These metaphors emphasize the virtue of a practitioner who has eradicated all anger: when defilements are gone, even in the face of adversity or obstacles, the mind remains calm and unshaken. This demonstrates the result of diligent practice. Śāriputra, a chief disciple of the Buddha, was entrusted with great responsibilities and functioned almost as a leader within the Sangha, second only to the Elder Mahākāśyapa. Mahākāśyapa was both virtuous and supremely wise, a master of debate who had never been defeated, and greatly supported the Buddha in teaching and leading the community. Despite Śāriputra’s exceptional virtue and ability, envy and attempts to harm him still existed among others. This highlights that in any era, as long as people have not eliminated greed, hatred, and delusion, disputes and criticism continue—even among those devoted to the same teacher, sharing the same environment and ideals. The story also shows that, besides Śāriputra, even the Buddha faced persistent opposition from others like Devadatta, and some monks constantly sought ways to obstruct him, yet karmic law always prevails: harm returns to the wrongdoer, as a natural law of cause and effect that cannot be altered. The tale teaches a vital lesson: the malicious will ultimately face the consequences of their actions, while the virtuous cannot be harmed, provided they possess deep patience. Śāriputra exemplified this; his mind was calm despite the ill intent of the monk, showing no anger and extending forgiveness and apology, demonstrating an extraordinary degree of moral excellence and compassion. The Buddha praised him, likening his mind to perfectly level earth, unshaken by turbulence. The pillar metaphor represents his unwavering and firm resolve, and the deep, mud-free pond signifies the still, clear mind of one who has eradicated all defilements. Thus, one who achieves such a state has transcended the cycle of birth and death. In summary, this verse extols the image of an enlightened, liberated practitioner who remains unaffected by praise or blame, while also reminding all not to harbor malice toward sincere practitioners. Furthermore, within the Sangha, different levels of attainment result in varying conduct: those with deeper practice should guide and forgive those less advanced, fostering harmony and benefit within the community. Without such understanding, prolonged practice may still fail to yield liberation. Śāriputra serves as a model for how to deal with those who commit errors with patience, wisdom, and compassion.