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 foremost" mean what is best, the highest of all things of the same kind. This saying teaches that one who gives what is foremost receives what is foremost in return again. The word "again" shows that the result of giving does not end with a single act of giving, but comes back as goodness to the giver again and again.

ขยายความบทตั้งAccording to the principles of Buddhism, the most excellent thing to which one should reverently pay homage is the Triple Gem, namely the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Saṅgha. One who makes offerings with faith in the Triple Gem is said to have given to what is foremost. In another sense, giving what is foremost also means choosing to give the best things one has, not second-rate things or leftovers. When the giver's mind aims at excellence in this way, the result of the giving is correspondingly excellent, in the form of happiness of mind, a good reputation and progress in the future.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑The wise one knows that bringing happiness to others through giving, helping, and not harming them is a cause for obtaining happiness oneself in return. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Aṅguttara Nikāya, Pañcakanipāta:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: The word "wise one" means one who has wisdom and knows what is beneficial and what is not beneficial. "One who gives happiness" means one who makes others happy, whether by giving things, by helping, or by not harming them. This saying teaches that a person of wisdom who gives happiness to others receives happiness in return, in accordance with the principle that whatever cause one makes, one receives a corresponding result.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑The reason the words "the wise one who gives" are used is that giving true happiness requires wisdom. The giver must know that the happiness he gives is wholesome happiness, not happiness that leads to decline. For example, inviting friends to go out carousing and loitering, even though the friends enjoy it, is not a right way of giving happiness. Giving happiness with wisdom means making others feel at ease, safe and able to prosper. When one gives in this way, the giver receives happiness at the very moment of giving, namely contentment, and receives happiness later on, namely the love, respect and help of others.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, a student who does his best in group work and does not shirk tasks gains the trust of his friends and teachers to take on more important tasks. An employee who devotes himself to his work to the full extent of his ability receives opportunities and advancement in his career. One who gives his best sincerity to his friends receives the best friendship in return. What we give out in the best way comes back to us in the best way as well.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish to obtain what is excellent in life should therefore begin by giving what is excellent first, giving to the religion, to their benefactors and to society. Giving with a mind that aims at excellence in this way is the cause of endless progress. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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