อารัมภบทI shall now explain and expand upon the meaning of the Dhamma theme written above, as a guide for study and practice.

อธิบายบทตั้งTo explain: This saying mentions two results of giving. First, one who gives is loved, that is, he is loved and liked by people in general. Second, many people associate with him, that is, people want to come close to him, want to associate with him and are glad to be with him. Both of these results arise because giving brings benefit and happiness to others. When people receive happiness from someone, they love that person and want to associate with him.

ขยายความบทตั้งIn the sutta that is the source of this saying, the Buddha set out many benefits of giving, for example: one who gives is loved by many people, good people associate with him, his good reputation spreads, whatever assembly he enters he is confident and not ill at ease, and when he dies he goes to a happy destination. It can be seen that being loved and having many people associate with one are results seen in this very present life, without having to wait for the next life. And those who associate with one who gives are usually good people as well, because good people appreciate goodness in one another.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑Giving is like a thread that binds people's hearts together. One who knows how to give and share binds friendships with others, creating good relationships and friends ready to help. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Saṃyutta Nikāya, Sagāthāvagga:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: The word "friendship" means being friends, affection and goodwill towards one another. This saying teaches that one who gives binds friendship, that is, giving is like a rope that binds people's hearts together and gives rise to good relationships. One who gives has friends, and those friends are ready to help him when he is in need.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑The giving that binds friendship does not mean only giving wealth and material things. Giving good words, giving time, giving help with physical effort, giving forgiveness and giving encouragement are all forms of giving that bind people's hearts. The teaching called the four bases of social harmony (saṅgahavatthu) also places giving as the first item, which shows that giving is the heart of building friendship. Conversely, people who are stingy, never share, and think only of taking from others find it hard to find true friends, because there is nothing to bind people's hearts.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, a teacher who devotes himself fully to giving knowledge to his pupils without holding back what he knows is loved by his pupils, and they remember him even long after they have finished their studies. A community leader who sacrifices both time and wealth to develop the village is loved by the villagers, and whenever he undertakes something, many people come to cooperate. A student who is kind and likes to help others has many friends and is trusted by the teachers.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish to be loved by others therefore have no need to seek amulets or love charms of any kind. They only need to be givers constantly, giving sincerely according to their means, and love and friendship will follow of their own accord. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

ปิดท้ายThus has the meaning been explained, as set forth above.