Deep Commentary

These two verses were taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery, relating to the Elder Lakuntaka Bhaddiya. According to the story, "One day, Venerable Lakuntaka entered to serve as the Buddha's attendant, and as he went out, thirty forest-dwelling monks saw him. They came to see the Buddha, paid homage, and sat to one side. The Buddha perceived that all thirty were capable of attaining arahantship, so he asked: 'Did you see the elder who just went out?' 'No, Lord, we did not.' 'Did you not see him?' 'We saw only a novice (samanera).' 'Monks, that was not a novice; that was an elder.' 'He is still too young, Lord!' 'I do not call one an elder simply because he is old, because he sits in the elder's seat; but one who comprehends the truth and treats others well, that one is an elder.' On that occasion, the Buddha spoke these two verses." (Excerpt from The Dhammapada Story Collection, Volume III, Vien Chieu, p. 90) In Buddhism, titles such as Most Venerable (Hoà Thượng), Elder (Trưởng lão), Superior (Thượng Tọa), and Venerable (Đại Đức) are terms used for fully ordained monks who have a high number of rains-retreats (vassa), typically at least ten years after full ordination. The Pali term Thera means 'one who is stable and secure.' Here, 'Elder' refers to practitioners who are advanced in both age and spiritual attainment, especially possessing high moral virtue, genuine practice, and real realization. Only such a one is called an Elder – for example, Elder Sāriputta, Elder Moggallāna, etc. Otherwise, if one is merely old in years but lacks moral virtue, genuine practice, and realization, the title is empty and the person is not truly worthy. Therefore, a practitioner is not called an Elder on account of advanced age. The Buddha clearly defined that one must have complete moral conduct, true understanding (not mere intellectual knowledge), perfect observance of all good practices (i.e., full virtue), high spiritual power, and have eradicated all defilements – only then is one worthy of the titles Venerable or Elder. Compared to the Buddha's teaching, today people have greatly misused these titles. Regardless of a person's moral standing, number of rains-retreats, or actual practice, as long as they have the outward form of a shaven head and monastic robe and are advanced in years, they are called Most Venerable, Superior, or Elder. It should be clearly understood that these titles are not positions or offices but are honorary designations for those with high moral virtue and many rains-retreats. Properly, the titles Most Venerable or Superior should be conferred by the Saṅgha assembly in a formal higher ordination ceremony. Only then is it legitimate and appropriate. Many people simply confer these titles upon themselves and demand that others address them accordingly. Out of craving for fame, they disregard the Buddha's regulations. This is truly lamentable!