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

อธิบายบทตั้งTo explain: The words "what is excellent" mean something outstanding and of high value, while "an excellent state" means a condition or position that is good, respected and happy. This saying teaches that one who gives what is excellent attains an excellent state. In other words, the value of what is given and the goodness of the giver's mind raise the giver's standing correspondingly.

ขยายความบทตั้งThe excellent things that should be given are of several levels. The first level is good and useful material things. A higher level is giving knowledge, giving opportunities and giving forgiveness, which help to raise the quality of the receiver's life. And the highest level is the gift of the Dhamma, that is, pointing out the right path so that others may be freed from suffering. One who gives such excellent things is respected by people and is trusted to hold a high position, because he has proved that he thinks of the benefit of others more than of his own benefit.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑One who is willing to give others good things that they themselves love and like receives good and pleasing results in return, for giving with such a generous heart is the cause of what is pleasing. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Aṅguttara Nikāya, Pañcakanipāta:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: The words "what is pleasing" mean things that are agreeable, desirable and valuable in the eyes of the giver himself. This saying teaches that one who gives what is pleasing receives what is pleasing in return. In other words, one who dares to give up good things that he himself loves and likes to others receives good and pleasing results as well. In the sutta that is the source of this saying, a householder brought the things he considered the best and most pleasing and offered them, and the Buddha expressed his appreciation with this saying.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑Giving what one finds pleasing is a difficult kind of giving, because pleasing things are things we still want to keep. Giving things one no longer wants, or leftovers, although it is also giving, does not yet involve much struggle against the attachment in one's mind. But giving what one loves shows true self-sacrifice and shows respect towards the receiver. For this reason, the fruit of such giving is correspondingly great. The giver receives what is pleasing, in the form of happiness of mind, the love of others, and merit that brings desirable results in the future.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn real life, one who devotes himself to teaching poor children in remote areas has given them something excellent, namely knowledge and a future, and is revered by the villagers and his pupils for ever. One who donates blood or organs to save the lives of others has given something more valuable than wealth and is praised and honoured. A leader who gives justice and safety to the people truly receives the loyalty and respect of the people.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish for progress and a good standing in life should therefore not seek it by competing and scheming against others, but should give the best of what they have, whether wealth, knowledge, physical effort or kindness. When one has given what is excellent, an excellent state comes of its 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.