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 uses a vivid simile to teach that associating with good and wise people lets us absorb their goodness without even realising it.

ขยายความบทตั้งTagara 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.

ขยายความบทตั้งThis 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.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑A wise person should choose to make friends with those who have faith, whose virtue is dear to them, who are wise and learned, because association with such good people brings prosperity. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Theragāthā:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: This saying clearly states four qualities of friends worth associating with and shows that associating with such people brings prosperity.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑The 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.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑These 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 ๒When a person mixes with the wicked, even if they themselves do no evil, they get drawn into trouble and lumped together with them, so lasting happiness is impossible for them. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Jātaka, Ekanipāta:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒To explain: This saying warns us to be careful in choosing companions, because the people we associate with influence the course of our lives. If we associate with those who like to do evil and are taken in by them or follow them, trouble may come upon ourselves and those around us.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒The commentary on the Godha Jātaka tells that the son of the king of the iguanas made friends with a chameleon, and would not listen even though his father warned him against it. When he grew up, the young iguana still hugged the chameleon as they used to do in play, until the chameleon was hurt and thought of destroying the iguanas. So he led a hunter to the colony's dwelling, bringing about its ruin. The iguana king, however, had prepared an escape route in advance and so escaped the danger. This story warns that associating with others without care and without heeding warnings can bring danger upon many people.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๒"Complete happiness" here can be simply explained as happiness in full. One who associates with evil people may gain some fun or benefit, but if that fun leads one into wrongdoing, or that benefit is gained dishonestly, it becomes a cause of trouble later. One should therefore consider carefully which way the people one associates with are leading one: whether they encourage one to be honest, diligent and responsible, or to deceive, harm others and abandon one's duties.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, a student who likes to consult teachers of knowledge and virtue gains both knowledge and an example of how to live. Someone who works under a capable and honest supervisor learns good ways of working. Someone who goes to the temple to hear the Dhamma from virtuous monks gains principles for living. These good things gradually stay with us without being forced.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish to develop themselves should therefore seek out and draw close to people of wisdom and virtue and open their minds to learn from them, so that goodness may seep into their own lives. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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