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 praises wisdom as the light that guides life, helping us know what should be done, what should be avoided, and what, though pleasing today, may bring trouble in days to come.

ขยายความบทตั้งJust as at night the moon shines brightly and stands out among the stars, wisdom likewise lights the way of life. When we have wisdom, we do not look only at what we want to get, but also consider whether it is gained rightly; we do not look only at whether our words will give us satisfaction, but also think about whether they will hurt anyone. Wisdom therefore helps us choose the good path, even if at times that path requires patience and sacrifice.

ขยายความบทตั้งSaying that virtue, glory and the Dhamma of the good follow the one who is wise means that when one knows how to consider causes and reasons, one sees the value of good conduct. The wise see that harming others brings trouble, and so they resolve to keep the precepts; they see the value of honesty, kindness and gratitude, and so they take up the Dhamma of good people and put it into practice. As for glory, that is, dignity or prosperity, it is supported by knowing how to live one's life appropriately. Wisdom thus helps all the virtues bear fruit in real life.

ขยายความบทตั้งThe wisdom this saying praises is not cleverness in deceiving or taking advantage of others. Someone who can devise subtle ways to cheat may be quick-witted, but still lacks awareness of the harm of such actions. The wise must therefore know how to weigh both benefit and rightness, must not trade honesty for merely temporary gain, and must not use their abilities to cause anyone suffering.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑The wise one knows how to give up a small happiness close at hand upon seeing that doing so will bring a greater and more lasting happiness in the future. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Dhammapada:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: This saying teaches us to choose happiness with wisdom. Sometimes a better happiness requires giving up certain pleasures or comforts. The wise therefore do not look only at what pleases them at the moment, but consider what will bring greater benefit and peace.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑"A small happiness" means happiness that is slight or limited, such as the enjoyment of eating, going out or spending as one likes. "A great happiness" means a greater happiness, which the commentary explains as referring to the happiness of Nibbāna, that is, the happiness of extinguishing the defilements and being freed from suffering. One who aims at such happiness is therefore willing to give up attachment to small pleasures and trains oneself through giving, keeping the precepts and developing meditation.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑Applying this lesson in daily life shows us that we cannot indulge ourselves in everything and still expect good things always to come about. If we want knowledge, we must be willing to take time from fun to study; if we want money for times of need, we must cut back on buying unnecessary things; if we want a peaceful mind, we must train ourselves to let go of the desire to get the better of others. Giving something up is therefore not only a loss, but a way of opening the path for something more valuable to arise.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑However, giving up a small happiness must be accompanied by wisdom; it does not mean forcing oneself until one falls ill or neglecting duties that should be done. Adequate rest and suitable enjoyment still have their place in life. What matters is knowing moderation and considering whether the pleasure one is attached to obstructs goodness or a more important benefit. If one sees clearly that life will be better by reducing it, one should train the mind to dare to reduce, dare to give up and dare to let go.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๒When a person lets the days go by without seeking knowledge and the Dhamma, the passing years add only to the body, unlike one who loves learning, whose wisdom grows deeper with age. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Dhammapada:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒To explain: "A person of little learning" means one who does not care to listen, read or seek knowledge and Dhamma. This saying compares such a person to an ox that grows older every day: the body grows, but understanding of life does not increase with age.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒The comparison with an old ox means that living a long time does not always make a person wise. An ox eats and sleeps by nature, so its body grows and ages with time. A human being who simply lets the days pass without learning likewise gains only years and body weight, but not understanding of reason, goodness and how to solve life's problems. Old age without wisdom therefore does not add value to life.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒In Buddhism, listening or learning is the first path to wisdom. Wisdom that arises from listening and reading is called sutamayā paññā. When one reflects on what one has heard, cintāmayā paññā arises, and when one puts it into practice until one sees it for oneself, bhāvanāmayā paññā arises. One of little learning is thus like someone who has closed the first door to developing wisdom. However, this saying does not look down on those who had few educational opportunities; it reminds everyone to keep learning throughout life according to the opportunities they have.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, a student who uses wisdom sees that studying attentively brings knowledge, while copying answers means missing the chance to practise. A trader who uses wisdom sees the value of honesty, because trust should be protected more than profit from deception. A leader should likewise listen to reasons and treat others fairly. Even when angry, if one knows how to stop and think before speaking, one is using wisdom to protect both one's own conduct and the goodwill of others.

สรุปTo conclude: We should therefore diligently develop wisdom by studying, listening and considering things carefully. When we know that something is good, we should put it into practice; when we see that something is wrong, we should be ready to correct it. Do not let knowledge exist only in memory, but make it a light that guides thought, word and deed, so that life moves forward together with virtue and moral qualities. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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