Deep Commentary

This Dhammapada verse was taught by the Buddha at Bamboo Grove Monastery, concerning Elder Vakkali. According to the story, in Savatthi, there was a young Brahmin. One day, he saw the Buddha's majestic physical marks and became deeply attached, even disgusted with his own body. He thought how wonderful it would be to see the Thus Come One's excellent features all day long. So he asked to ordain. After joining the Sangha, he ignored scriptures and meditation, only seeking places to gaze at the Buddha's form. Knowing this, the Buddha waited until his mind was ripe, then taught: 'Vakkali, what pleasure is there in looking at this impure composite called my body? Whoever sees the Dhamma sees me.' Yet Vakkali persisted in his attachment. The Buddha then separated him for three rains retreats at Bamboo Grove. Overcome with sorrow at not seeing the Buddha, Vakkali decided to climb Vulture Peak and jump to his death. The Buddha, knowing that without intervention he would destroy himself and never attain sainthood, appeared before him. Vakkali rejoiced, his suffering dissolved, and he abandoned the suicidal thought. Then the Buddha taught this verse, upon hearing which Vakkali, with joyful heart, subdued his excitement and attained arahantship with full psychic powers. (End of story summary). A joyful mind is one no longer entangled with external objects. Attachment prevents joy. To be free from bondage, we must eradicate defilements. When defilements cease, the mind becomes joyful and peaceful. In the story, Vakkali saw the Buddha's magnificent form and became attached to it. The Buddha's teaching—'Whoever sees the Dhamma sees me'—reminds us that even the Buddha's physical body is a transient, impure composite of the five aggregates. Clinging to that impermanent, impure body prevents us from seeing the eternal, pure Dharma body. Tragically, Vakkali did not grasp this immediately and thought of suicide when separated from the Buddha's form. Fortunately, the Buddha intervened to save him. Buddhism never approves of such unwise, desperate actions that arise from frustration and ignorance.