Deep Commentary

The Buddha delivered this teaching at the Jeta Grove concerning Elder Attadattha. When the Buddha announced that he would enter Parinirvana in four months, seven hundred monks who had not yet attained enlightenment became overwhelmed with grief and stayed close to him, unsure of what to do. Elder Attadattha, however, resolved to strive for Arahantship while the Buddha was still alive. When the other monks questioned his sudden isolation, the Buddha praised Attadattha, declaring: "He who truly respects me should act like Attadattha. True reverence is not shown merely by offering flowers and incense, but by diligently practicing the Dhamma. All of you should follow his example."

In Buddhism, both self-benefit (spiritual self-cultivation) and benefiting others are essential. Focusing solely on others while neglecting one's own spiritual progress is misguided. The Buddha himself spent years cultivating his own enlightenment before stepping forward to teach and save others. One cannot save a drowning person without first knowing how to swim. Attadattha demonstrated genuine devotion by focusing on his own liberation. Buddhism discourages a mindset of dependency; true practice requires self-reliance. One must first attain inner peace and wisdom to authentically share it with others. Neglecting personal practice while trying to teach others is like counting someone else's money while your own pockets are empty, or herding cows for a master without ever tasting the milk. Authentic spiritual guidance requires genuine personal realization.