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 pleasing" mean things that are agreeable, desirable and valuable in the eyes of the giver himself. This saying teaches that one who gives what is pleasing receives what is pleasing in return. In other words, one who dares to give up good things that he himself loves and likes to others receives good and pleasing results as well. In the sutta that is the source of this saying, a householder brought the things he considered the best and most pleasing and offered them, and the Buddha expressed his appreciation with this saying.

ขยายความบทตั้งGiving what one finds pleasing is a difficult kind of giving, because pleasing things are things we still want to keep. Giving things one no longer wants, or leftovers, although it is also giving, does not yet involve much struggle against the attachment in one's mind. But giving what one loves shows true self-sacrifice and shows respect towards the receiver. For this reason, the fruit of such giving is correspondingly great. The giver receives what is pleasing, in the form of happiness of mind, the love of others, and merit that brings desirable results in the future.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑The worth of what is given and the goodness of the giver's heart raise the giver's standing accordingly. One who gives what is excellent thus attains an excellent and respected state. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Aṅguttara Nikāya, Pañcakanipāta:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: The words "what is excellent" mean something outstanding and of high value, while "an excellent state" means a condition or position that is good, respected and happy. This saying teaches that one who gives what is excellent attains an excellent state. In other words, the value of what is given and the goodness of the giver's mind raise the giver's standing correspondingly.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑The excellent things that should be given are of several levels. The first level is good and useful material things. A higher level is giving knowledge, giving opportunities and giving forgiveness, which help to raise the quality of the receiver's life. And the highest level is the gift of the Dhamma, that is, pointing out the right path so that others may be freed from suffering. One who gives such excellent things is respected by people and is trusted to hold a high position, because he has proved that he thinks of the benefit of others more than of his own benefit.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn real life, for example, when offering food to the monks, one who chooses the best food he is able to make and offers it has a clearer mind than one who brings leftover food to offer. When giving a gift to one's parents or teachers, choosing something good and valuable with care clearly shows one's gratitude. When donating clothes to disaster victims, choosing clothes that are still in good condition, clean and pleasant to wear makes the receivers happy and makes them feel honoured.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish to receive good things in life should therefore learn to give good things, to give with respect, and to give things that they themselves are pleased with, not only giving things they no longer want, because such giving trains the mind to be generous and is the cause of pleasing results. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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