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

อธิบายบทตั้งTo explain: "Restraint" means being careful and controlling one's conduct so that it does not go astray or cause trouble. "In all things" here means restraint at all the doors of the senses, covering perception, action, speech and thought. The saying therefore teaches a person to be thoroughly careful, not letting carelessness or the defilements lead to harming oneself and others.

ขยายความบทตั้งIn the Bhikkhu Vagga of the Dhammapada, the Buddha describes the value of restraint of the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, speech and mind, and restraint at all the doors, and says that a monk restrained at all the doors is freed from all suffering. This passage shows the importance of restraint in Dhamma practice for the end of suffering. It does not mean merely having polite manners, but also training so that unwholesome states do not take over the mind.

ขยายความบทตั้งRestraint of body means refraining from harming, stealing and sexual misconduct. Restraint of speech means refraining from lies, divisive speech, harsh speech and idle chatter. Restraint of mind means guarding against greed, anger and delusion taking over and leading one to think, speak or act harmfully. In addition, one should train restraint of the senses, being careful in perceiving through the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and mind, so that when seeing, hearing or experiencing various objects, one is mindful and does not let liking or disliking lead to unwholesome states and harm.

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, restraint shows itself through appropriate actions, such as not making loud noise that disturbs others in public places, and using social media without rude words, without slander and without forwarding messages thoughtlessly, which helps reduce causes of conflict and trouble. For a student, when seeing a friend succeed, if envy arises, he should be mindful and guard his mind, not saying or doing anything that hurts the friend, and turn instead to developing his own abilities. Restraint of this kind trains us to choose to act responsibly instead of following our emotions without thinking.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish for peace in life should therefore train in restraint constantly, in perception, action, speech and thought, practising it in every place and on every occasion. Restraint is like a fence that prevents us from carelessly straying into evil, and it is a foundation that supports the development of mind and wisdom. With continued training, it helps us live carefully and reduces harm. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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