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 word "virtue" (sīla) means good conduct, the restraint of body and speech so that they are proper, by refraining from harmful actions and words. As for the words "right up to old age", they mean until one reaches old age. The saying "sīlaṃ yāva jarā sādhu", meaning "Virtue brings benefit to fulfilment right up to old age," teaches that virtue has value and supports life at every stage of life. Whether one is a child, an adult or an elderly person, keeping the precepts is always good and always brings benefit.

ขยายความบทตั้งIn the Jarā Sutta of the Saṃyutta Nikāya, Sagāthā Vagga, a deity asked the Buddha what it is that brings benefit to fulfilment until old age, and he replied that it is virtue. The commentary explains this point by comparison with external ornaments, to show that virtue is a beauty fitting for people of every age, in childhood, in middle age and in old age. Although the beauty and strength of the body change with time, the value of good conduct does not diminish merely because a person grows older. One who keeps the precepts can therefore maintain his goodness until old age.

ขยายความบทตั้งThe benefit of virtue lies not only in gaining the love or praise of others, but also in not causing trouble through harming others, dishonesty and lying. One who keeps the precepts has reason to feel at ease when he recalls his own conduct. Moreover, honesty and not taking advantage of one another help to build trust in living together. Keeping the precepts continuously is therefore a training that makes good conduct firmer, and it supports both oneself and society.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑The wise one knows what is beneficial and what is harmful, and so guards virtue in its purity, refusing to break the precepts in exchange for some small gain. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Itivuttaka:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: "The wise" means those who have wisdom and know how to consider what is beneficial and what is harmful. "Should guard their virtue" means should keep body and speech restrained according to the precepts they observe. The saying teaches the wise to see the importance of good conduct and to keep the precepts intentionally, with understanding of their benefits, not merely following others without knowing why.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑In the Sukhapatthanā Sutta, the Buddha said that the wise, wishing for three kinds of happiness, should guard their virtue. These are praise, the gaining of wealth, and rebirth in heaven after death. This teaching shows that virtue supports benefits both in the present and in the future. The wise should therefore consider the results of their conduct far-sightedly and not abandon what is right for momentary pleasure or immediate gain.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑Regarding praise, honesty and not harming others are conduct that the wise commend, and they help build trust in living together. Regarding wealth, not being corrupt and not being heedless form a foundation that supports honest livelihood and the protection of one's property; a secure life also requires diligence, ability and appropriate spending. Rebirth in heaven is the future benefit mentioned in the discourse. The wise therefore see the value of virtue both as a good to be practised and as a cause of happiness to be built up.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, students who train in keeping the precepts, such as not stealing, not lying and not bullying their friends, lay the foundation of good habits. Working people who keep the precepts avoid dishonesty and hurting others with their words, which helps them to work together with trust. Elderly people who behave honestly, not taking advantage of others and not harming them, can be good examples and a refuge for the minds of their children and grandchildren. These examples show that virtue is beneficial at every stage of life and should be trained continuously. Even those who have made mistakes, if they see the harm and resolve to correct themselves, can begin to keep the precepts and improve their conduct as well.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish for a life of value at every stage should therefore keep the precepts starting today and diligently sustain their good conduct throughout life, because virtue is a beauty that does not depend on age and a principle of living that supports both oneself and others, from youth to old age. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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