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 wise" means those who have wisdom and know how to consider what is beneficial and what is harmful. "Should guard their virtue" means should keep body and speech restrained according to the precepts they observe. The saying teaches the wise to see the importance of good conduct and to keep the precepts intentionally, with understanding of their benefits, not merely following others without knowing why.

ขยายความบทตั้งIn the Sukhapatthanā Sutta, the Buddha said that the wise, wishing for three kinds of happiness, should guard their virtue. These are praise, the gaining of wealth, and rebirth in heaven after death. This teaching shows that virtue supports benefits both in the present and in the future. The wise should therefore consider the results of their conduct far-sightedly and not abandon what is right for momentary pleasure or immediate gain.

ขยายความบทตั้งRegarding praise, honesty and not harming others are conduct that the wise commend, and they help build trust in living together. Regarding wealth, not being corrupt and not being heedless form a foundation that supports honest livelihood and the protection of one's property; a secure life also requires diligence, ability and appropriate spending. Rebirth in heaven is the future benefit mentioned in the discourse. The wise therefore see the value of virtue both as a good to be practised and as a cause of happiness to be built up.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑Virtue, meaning good conduct and restraint of body and speech, supports life at every age and continues to accomplish benefit right up to old age. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Saṃyutta Nikāya, Sagāthāvagga:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: The word "virtue" (sīla) means good conduct, the restraint of body and speech so that they are proper, by refraining from harmful actions and words. As for the words "right up to old age", they mean until one reaches old age. The saying "sīlaṃ yāva jarā sādhu", meaning "Virtue brings benefit to fulfilment right up to old age," teaches that virtue has value and supports life at every stage of life. Whether one is a child, an adult or an elderly person, keeping the precepts is always good and always brings benefit.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑In the Jarā Sutta of the Saṃyutta Nikāya, Sagāthā Vagga, a deity asked the Buddha what it is that brings benefit to fulfilment until old age, and he replied that it is virtue. The commentary explains this point by comparison with external ornaments, to show that virtue is a beauty fitting for people of every age, in childhood, in middle age and in old age. Although the beauty and strength of the body change with time, the value of good conduct does not diminish merely because a person grows older. One who keeps the precepts can therefore maintain his goodness until old age.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑The benefit of virtue lies not only in gaining the love or praise of others, but also in not causing trouble through harming others, dishonesty and lying. One who keeps the precepts has reason to feel at ease when he recalls his own conduct. Moreover, honesty and not taking advantage of one another help to build trust in living together. Keeping the precepts continuously is therefore a training that makes good conduct firmer, and it supports both oneself and society.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, business owners who are honest with customers, who do not rig the scales or deceive about the quality of goods, help build trust in their business. Those who refrain from intoxicating drinks, which lead to heedlessness, reduce both expenses and the damage that intoxication can cause. Students who do not steal, do not lie and do not bully their friends practise trustworthy conduct and help make the classroom peaceful. These examples show benefits of virtue that can be practised according to each person's age and duties.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish to live wisely should therefore study to understand the value of virtue and keep their conduct steady. Even when there is temptation to do wrong, they should consider the consequences for themselves and others, and then choose to act honestly. Keeping the precepts with such understanding is using wisdom to guide one's life, and it supports happiness both now and in the future. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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