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

อธิบายบทตั้งTo explain: This saying presents the principle of kamma in the simplest way, comparing actions with sowing seeds and the results of actions with the fruit that grows from those seeds.

ขยายความบทตั้งThe comparison with sowing seeds helps us see several characteristics of kamma. First, the fruit corresponds to the cause: one who plants mangoes gets mangoes, not limes. Second, the fruit may not appear immediately; it needs time and suitable conditions. Third, the one who sows is the one who reaps; no one can reap on behalf of another. Whoever eats is the one who is filled; no one can eat on another's behalf. Such understanding keeps people from becoming discouraged when they have done good but not yet seen the results, and from becoming careless when they have done evil but not yet seen its harm.

ขยายความบทตั้งHowever, in Buddhism the results of kamma are not always fixed in a simple way. Just as seeds that have been sown need soil, water and the right season, kamma depends on many causes and conditions, and those who have done wrong can still change themselves by seriously creating new good kamma. This saying therefore does not teach despair; it teaches us to choose to sow good seeds from today.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑One who keeps finding excuses to abandon work, claiming that it is too cold, too hot, or already too late, misses the benefits they should have gained, because opportunity and time wait for no one. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Dīgha Nikāya, Pāṭikavagga:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: This saying teaches that one who is always finding excuses to postpone or abandon work misses the benefits he should have gained, because opportunity and time wait for no one.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑This saying comes from the Sigālaka Sutta, which the Buddha taught to the young man Sigālaka, describing the dangers of laziness: the lazy person tends to say it is too cold, too hot, too late, too early, too hungry or too full, and so does not work. As a result, wealth that has not yet arisen does not arise, and wealth that has arisen is used up. These excuses sound reasonable, but in truth they conceal the laziness in the mind.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑The excuses of the lazy have one important characteristic: they never run out. When one escapes the cold, one meets the heat; when one escapes the heat, it is evening. If one waits until everything is ready before starting, one may never do anything at all. Nevertheless, resting when truly tired or ill is necessary. This saying warns against using excuses to avoid one's duties; it does not forbid caring for one's health.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๒When a person remembers the kindness of their benefactors and repays it fittingly, they become loved and trusted by all, so help flows toward them and the aims they desire prosper. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Jātaka, Sattakanipāta:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒To explain: This saying is the counterpart of the one about the harm of ingratitude, showing the blessings of gratitude, that is, recognising and remembering the good that others have done for us.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒Gratitude has two parts: kataññū, recognising kindness, and katavedī, repaying kindness. This saying emphasises recognising and appreciating kindness, which is the starting point of repaying it. One who appreciates kindness has a gentle heart and is not conceited, knowing that others have helped behind his success. This feeling leads him to treat others with respect and sincerity.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒The benefits he longs for increase because a grateful person is trusted. Those who have helped him are glad to keep helping, and others who see this also want to associate with and support him. Moreover, gratitude brings happiness to the mind, because one who sees the good one has received feels that life has supporters, is not lonely, and is inspired to do good to others in turn.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, those who study and practise diligently and consistently gain knowledge and ability in return. Those who treat others sincerely gain trust. Those who like to deceive and take advantage of others may gain in the short term, but in the end are often rejected by those around them. Parents who raise their children with love and good guidance have the chance to see their children grow into good people.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish for good results in life should therefore pay attention to what they are sowing every day, in thought, word and deed, choose to sow only good seeds, and wait patiently for the fruit with hope. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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