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

อธิบายบทตั้งTo 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.

ขยายความบทตั้งThis 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.

ขยายความบทตั้งRestraint 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.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑One who knows how to guard body, speech, and mind, not just in one place but with restraint everywhere and on every occasion, is a good person worthy of respect. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Saṃyutta Nikāya, Sagāthāvagga:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To 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.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑In 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.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑Restraint 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.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, someone who is careful with his words and does not belittle or mock others so that they feel ashamed helps reduce causes of conflict. A driver who does not cut in front of others, does not behave aggressively and does not respond emotionally helps reduce the chance of quarrels. A student who does not tease his friends, does not take others' belongings without permission and talks things through when there is a problem helps create a good atmosphere in the classroom. Such care in small matters helps prevent problems from escalating into serious discord.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish to live peacefully should therefore restrain body, speech and mind constantly, not harming or taking advantage of others, while training patience and loving-kindness. When wronged, they should restrain thoughts of revenge and solve the problem in an appropriate way. Forgiveness can go together with protecting oneself and seeking help to stop the harm. When one does not create causes of enmity and does not respond with ill will. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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