Deep Commentary

These two verses were taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery and concern the ascetics of the Jain and other non-Buddhist traditions. One day, the monks noticed the ascetics of the Nigantha sect and commented among themselves: the Nigantha ascetics are easier to look at than the Acelaka ascetics, who are entirely nude, while the Niganthas at least cover themselves with a piece of cloth, making them less embarrassing to observe. The Niganthas overheard and said that they did not cover themselves out of shame, but because even dust contains living beings, and they wished to prevent harming them inadvertently by covering their bodies with cloth. Some monks agreed with this reasoning; others did not and continued to debate. Eventually, they all reported the matter to the Buddha. The Buddha said: whoever feels shame when there is no reason, and feels no shame when they ought to, will suffer in the future. From this, the Buddha delivered these two verses. Shame is a noble quality in humans; without it, one is little different from an animal. When committing an unwholesome act or speaking harshly, causing offense or injuring someone's pride, a person feels genuine shame. Some apologize directly, others feel it inwardly and silently vow not to repeat the act. Both display self-respect and moral character. Human value is not based on rank, wealth, or status, but on ethical conduct. Those who are powerful or wealthy but rude and lacking ethics are not respected, and may only gain minor advantages by appearances. People lacking ethical substance are deemed the lowest in society, truly contemptible. Verse 316 explains that some feel shame for what is not shameful, while hiding what is truly shameful. Those blind to their errors and lacking remorse hold false views. Such distorted, one-sided perceptions lead to evil karma and suffering. In contrast, those with right view act ethically and experience happiness. Verse 317 states: being afraid where there is nothing to fear, and unafraid where there is reason to fear. Unnecessary fear arises from deluded minds, generating endless anxieties about wealth, sickness, death, and the unknown. True danger lies in creating unwholesome karma, perpetuating the cycle of birth and suffering. To transcend fear and death, one must cultivate virtue, generosity, ethical conduct, meditation, mindfulness, and actions that benefit oneself and others, preparing a clear path that yields happiness and spiritual progress.