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

อธิบายบทตั้งTo explain: It teaches that keeping the precepts is a cause of happiness at every stage of life, from youth to old age. One kind of happiness from virtue is the ease of mind of knowing that one has not done wrong or harmed others. In the Nāga Vagga of the Dhammapada, this saying appears together with the teaching that firmly established faith, the attainment of wisdom and not doing evil all bring happiness.

ขยายความบทตั้งVirtue brings happiness in several ways. One who does not harm, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, or drink intoxicants that lead to heedlessness does not create trouble through these actions. When he recalls his own conduct, he has reason to feel at ease and does not need to hide wrongs he has not done. Moreover, honesty and not taking advantage of others help build trust in living together.

ขยายความบทตั้งHowever, keeping the precepts does not mean that life will have no suffering or problems at all. A virtuous person may still fall ill, suffer loss or meet with disappointment. But virtue prevents him from adding to his troubles through his own wrongdoing, and it gives him a principle for living honestly. Even as the body changes with age, the ease of mind that comes from good conduct remains valuable.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑One who is watchful, restraining body and speech and not offending others, does not stir up conflict, so enmity and vengeful ill will find no opening to take shape. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Dīgha Nikāya, Mahāvagga:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: "Restrained" means self-controlled, careful in actions and words so as not to transgress against or harm others, and guarding the mind so that anger and ill will do not lead to wrongdoing. "Enmity" (vera) means hostility, discord and holding grudges with thoughts of revenge. The saying teaches us to prevent the causes of enmity by restraining our conduct, not causing trouble for others and not continuing discord through revenge.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑This saying appears together with words about merit increasing for one who gives, the wise abandoning evil, and the peace that comes from the ending of greed, hatred and delusion. The verse thus shows the value of doing good, of restraint and of developing wisdom to abandon the defilements. As for not creating enmity, being careful before thinking, speaking and acting is essential, because harmful words or actions can cause hurt and lead to retaliation until the conflict spreads.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑Restraint does not mean that we can control all the thoughts or actions of others. It means taking responsibility for our own conduct, not being the one who creates causes for harm, and when faced with displeasure, not letting anger lead to revenge. If we have done wrong, we should admit it, apologise and make amends. If there is a misunderstanding, we should explain with reason. Acting in this way helps resolve problems and reduces the continuation of discord.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, a family whose members are honest with one another, do not harm one another and do not deceive one another has a good foundation of trust. One who does not drink alcohol does not spend money on drinking and does not cause trouble through his own intoxication. A student who does not steal from friends or lie does not have to hide such wrongs. When he grows up and still keeps his good conduct, he can be a good example for the next generation.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish for happiness should therefore train themselves to keep the precepts as the normal way of life, not neglecting them just because no one is watching, and should regularly examine their own conduct. If they make a mistake, they should admit it, correct it and be careful not to repeat it. Keeping the precepts consistently builds the causes of ease of mind and peaceful living together, which are valuable from today until 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.