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 praises wisdom as the light that guides life, helping us know what should be done, what should be avoided, and what, though pleasing today, may bring trouble in days to come.

ขยายความบทตั้งJust as at night the moon shines brightly and stands out among the stars, wisdom likewise lights the way of life. When we have wisdom, we do not look only at what we want to get, but also consider whether it is gained rightly; we do not look only at whether our words will give us satisfaction, but also think about whether they will hurt anyone. Wisdom therefore helps us choose the good path, even if at times that path requires patience and sacrifice.

ขยายความบทตั้งSaying that virtue, glory and the Dhamma of the good follow the one who is wise means that when one knows how to consider causes and reasons, one sees the value of good conduct. The wise see that harming others brings trouble, and so they resolve to keep the precepts; they see the value of honesty, kindness and gratitude, and so they take up the Dhamma of good people and put it into practice. As for glory, that is, dignity or prosperity, it is supported by knowing how to live one's life appropriately. Wisdom thus helps all the virtues bear fruit in real life.

ขยายความบทตั้งThe wisdom this saying praises is not cleverness in deceiving or taking advantage of others. Someone who can devise subtle ways to cheat may be quick-witted, but still lacks awareness of the harm of such actions. The wise must therefore know how to weigh both benefit and rightness, must not trade honesty for merely temporary gain, and must not use their abilities to cause anyone suffering.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑The wise one knows how to give up a small happiness close at hand upon seeing that doing so will bring a greater and more lasting happiness in the future. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Dhammapada:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: This saying teaches us to choose happiness with wisdom. Sometimes a better happiness requires giving up certain pleasures or comforts. The wise therefore do not look only at what pleases them at the moment, but consider what will bring greater benefit and peace.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑"A small happiness" means happiness that is slight or limited, such as the enjoyment of eating, going out or spending as one likes. "A great happiness" means a greater happiness, which the commentary explains as referring to the happiness of Nibbāna, that is, the happiness of extinguishing the defilements and being freed from suffering. One who aims at such happiness is therefore willing to give up attachment to small pleasures and trains oneself through giving, keeping the precepts and developing meditation.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑Applying this lesson in daily life shows us that we cannot indulge ourselves in everything and still expect good things always to come about. If we want knowledge, we must be willing to take time from fun to study; if we want money for times of need, we must cut back on buying unnecessary things; if we want a peaceful mind, we must train ourselves to let go of the desire to get the better of others. Giving something up is therefore not only a loss, but a way of opening the path for something more valuable to arise.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑However, giving up a small happiness must be accompanied by wisdom; it does not mean forcing oneself until one falls ill or neglecting duties that should be done. Adequate rest and suitable enjoyment still have their place in life. What matters is knowing moderation and considering whether the pleasure one is attached to obstructs goodness or a more important benefit. If one sees clearly that life will be better by reducing it, one should train the mind to dare to reduce, dare to give up and dare to let go.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๒When power and fame fall into the hands of one without wisdom, honour does not bring progress but instead becomes like a weapon that wounds both the one who holds it and those around them. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Jātaka, Ekanipāta:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒To explain: "Honour" (yasa) here means position, power, fame and followers. This saying warns that honour in the hands of one without wisdom becomes a means of destroying both himself and others.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒Honour and power are like a very powerful tool. In the hands of the wise, they are used to create benefit for the public; in the hands of the foolish, they are used to satisfy their own desires, such as using power to oppress others, seeking improper gain, or becoming so conceited that they ignore all warnings. Such actions harm others directly and in the end turn back to harm oneself, leading to the loss of respect, to punishment and to the loss of that very honour.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒This saying teaches that gaining honour is not simply something to rejoice over, but a responsibility that requires wisdom and virtue to maintain. Those who will receive important positions should prepare themselves, and those responsible for selecting people for positions should consider their wisdom and conduct rather than merely their ability or closeness.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, a student who uses wisdom sees that studying attentively brings knowledge, while copying answers means missing the chance to practise. A trader who uses wisdom sees the value of honesty, because trust should be protected more than profit from deception. A leader should likewise listen to reasons and treat others fairly. Even when angry, if one knows how to stop and think before speaking, one is using wisdom to protect both one's own conduct and the goodwill of others.

สรุปTo conclude: We should therefore diligently develop wisdom by studying, listening and considering things carefully. When we know that something is good, we should put it into practice; when we see that something is wrong, we should be ready to correct it. Do not let knowledge exist only in memory, but make it a light that guides thought, word and deed, so that life moves forward together with virtue and moral qualities. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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