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 clearly states four qualities of friends worth associating with and shows that associating with such people brings prosperity.

ขยายความบทตั้งThe first quality is faith: believing in what is right, in doing good and in the results of good. The second is lovable virtue: behaving well in body and speech so as to be loved by others. The third is wisdom: knowing how to reflect on reasons and distinguish right from wrong. The fourth is being learned (bahussuta): having studied much and having broad knowledge. Those with these qualities are good friends (kalyāṇamitta) who help us develop in mind, conduct and knowledge.

ขยายความบทตั้งThese four qualities support one another. Faith without wisdom to guide it may become blind belief; wisdom without virtue may be used wrongly; great knowledge without faith in goodness may not lead to practice. Those who have all four are therefore rare friends worth keeping. Besides choosing such friends, we should also develop these qualities in ourselves, so as to be good friends to others.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑Whatever kind of person one makes a friend, such a person one becomes, because living together constantly passes on thoughts, habits, and conduct from one to another. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Jātaka, Vīsatinipāta:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To 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 ๑Living 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 ๑This 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.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๒When a person stays close to the wise, their knowledge, thinking, and good conduct gradually soak in, until that person too comes to share in their goodness without even noticing. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Jātaka, Vīsatinipāta:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒To 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 ๒Tagara 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 ๒This 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.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, a student whose close friends are diligent, kind-hearted and reasonable receives good advice when problems arise. An adult with friends of morality and knowledge receives reliable counsel in making important decisions in life. Someone who joins a Dhamma study group with people of faith and knowledge gains encouragement to keep practising.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish for prosperity in life should therefore choose to associate with those who have faith, virtue, wisdom and knowledge, and develop these qualities in themselves as well. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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