Deep Commentary

The Buddha clearly distinguishes between those who are awakened and those who are still deluded. Being awakened means having passed through the fog of delusion. To end delusion, one must eradicate heedlessness. As long as heedlessness remains, the cycle of birth and death continues, because a heedless mind is the root of creating karma. When the fog clears, the sky becomes bright. An awakened person looks back at those still lost in delusion with genuine compassion and pity. It is like a Noble One who ascends the high tower of wisdom, looking down and clearly seeing the ignorant masses filled with fear and worry, just as a person on a mountaintop looks down at the creatures on the ground. The hope is that everyone will reach the peak of wisdom and dwell peacefully on the island of tranquility. When the mind is at peace, the world is at peace. Otherwise, our lives are like weary travelers wandering endlessly in the stormy winds of worldly suffering. We should ask ourselves: "Do I want to wander forever, or do I want to return to my true spiritual home?" If you wish to return, turn back now!