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 teaches that while one is speaking the Dhamma, evil does not stain one. The words "speaking the Dhamma" mean saying what is right, speaking the truth, speaking in line with the principles of goodness, and speaking with a pure intention. As for "evil does not stain", it means that the speaker is not at fault, even though his words may not please the listener.

ขยายความบทตั้งSometimes speaking the truth or admonishing others may displease the listener, so the speaker hesitates, wondering whether it is evil. This saying of the Buddha gives assurance that if what is said is Dhamma, that is, true and beneficial, and spoken with good intention at the right time, the speaker does no evil, because evil arises from a bad intention, not from the listener's displeasure. One must be careful, however, that speaking the Dhamma is not using the truth to hurt others, or speaking for one's own satisfaction, because when the intention is not pure, those words are no longer speaking the Dhamma.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑Evil, or bad kamma, arises from intentional action. For one who does not intend to do evil by body, speech, or mind, there is no evil. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Dhammapada:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: "Evil" means wrongdoing, and "one who does not do it" means one who does not commit that wrongdoing, whether by doing it himself, ordering others to do it or deliberately helping others to do wrong. This saying teaches that a person does not have evil merely because he is near someone who does wrong or because he is accused of wrongdoing; we must look at what he actually intended and actually did.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑In the Dhammapada, the Buddha compared one who does no evil to a palm without a wound, through which poison cannot seep. This simile helps us understand that when a person has no evil intention and has not done the wrong, evil does not arise in him merely because he is near, or connected with, the wrongdoer. The image of poison is a comparison for teaching the Dhamma; it should not be taken as a reason to try touching real poison.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑Nevertheless, one who does no wrong may still suffer because of others, for example by being misunderstood or falsely accused. But being accused does not make him a wrongdoer. If he has not done it, he should stay mindful, explain the truth and seek help from those concerned, without responding by doing wrong himself.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn real life, a teacher who admonishes a student when the student does wrong does no evil, even though the student is displeased at the time, because the teacher warns out of goodwill. A witness who testifies truthfully in court does no evil, even if this displeases some people, because he speaks according to the Dhamma. A friend who dares to warn another friend not to get involved with drugs, even though that friend becomes angry, has done the duty of a good friend (kalyāṇamitta).

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish to speak without evil should therefore hold to the principle of speaking the Dhamma: speaking the truth, saying what is beneficial, speaking with loving-kindness and knowing how to choose the right time. When one speaks in this way, the mind is steady and has nothing to fear. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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