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 is the counterpart of the one comparing association with the wise to wrapping fragrant tagara wood, showing the opposite side: associating with fools causes us to decline along with them.

ขยายความบทตั้งKusa grass is ordinary grass with no bad smell of its own, but when used to wrap rotten fish, the stench clings to the grass and is hard to wash out. Associating with fools is the same: even if we ourselves are not bad people, when we are close to fools, bad thoughts and habits may seep in little by little, and others may also think badly of us, because people often judge others by the company they keep.

ขยายความบทตั้งThis simile shows an influence that develops gradually without our noticing. Those who associate with fools often think they will not change, but as time passes they may find that they have started using coarse language, neglecting their duties or accepting wrongdoing as normal, like the grass that does not know when the stench clung to it. Being aware of this influence is therefore an important protection.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑Associating with the wise lets us share in their goodness, just as the leaf used to wrap fragrant tagara becomes fragrant too. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Jātaka, Vīsatinipāta:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: This saying uses a vivid simile to teach that associating with good and wise people lets us absorb their goodness without even realising it.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑Tagara is a fragrant wood whose scent lasts a long time. Ordinary leaves used to wrap it have no fragrance of their own, but after being close to the tagara for a long time they take on its fragrance. Associating with the wise is the same: the knowledge, thinking and good conduct of the wise gradually seep into those who are close to them, so that those people also come to think and act better.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑This saying is the counterpart of the one comparing association with fools to wrapping rotten fish in kusa grass. Both show the same truth: people are always influenced by those around them. It is worth noting that the leaves must be in close contact with the tagara to become fragrant. Associating with the wise likewise requires coming close, listening and seriously opening one's mind to learn, in order to gain the full benefit.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๒When a person keeps close company with the good, they tend to become good themselves, but if they associate with the wicked, they gradually become like them, because living together shapes people to resemble one another. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Jātaka, Vīsatinipāta:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒To explain: This saying concisely sums up the principle of association: people tend to become like those they associate with closely, because living together passes thoughts and habits from one to another.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒Living together brings about natural learning. We absorb the ways of thinking, speaking, values and behaviour of those close to us without intending to. Diligent friends lead us to be diligent; lazy friends lead us to be lazy. Friends who look on the bright side give us encouragement; friends who like to complain lead us to see things negatively too. Choosing companions is therefore the same as choosing what kind of person we will become in the future.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒This saying does not mean that people have no choice and must always change according to those around them. Those with mindfulness and firm principles can preserve their goodness even in a bad environment, and may even be an example that helps others change. But for ordinary people, especially those still at the age of learning, choosing good companions is the safest and most effective way.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, a student who associates with friends who skip classes, even if he does not skip classes himself, may be seen by teachers as one of them, and in the end may be persuaded to follow. Someone who works with people who like to gossip may pick up the habit without realising it. Someone who associates with lawbreakers may fall under suspicion or be drawn into legal cases.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish to preserve their own goodness should therefore be careful in choosing companions and not become so close to fools that the stench of evil clings to them. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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