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 ๑One who keeps virtue has a happiness that comes from their own purity. That happiness does not fade with age but stays with them until old age. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Dhammapada:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: It teaches that keeping the precepts is a cause of happiness at every stage of life, from youth to old age. One kind of happiness from virtue is the ease of mind of knowing that one has not done wrong or harmed others. In the Nāga Vagga of the Dhammapada, this saying appears together with the teaching that firmly established faith, the attainment of wisdom and not doing evil all bring happiness.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑Virtue brings happiness in several ways. One who does not harm, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, or drink intoxicants that lead to heedlessness does not create trouble through these actions. When he recalls his own conduct, he has reason to feel at ease and does not need to hide wrongs he has not done. Moreover, honesty and not taking advantage of others help build trust in living together.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑However, keeping the precepts does not mean that life will have no suffering or problems at all. A virtuous person may still fall ill, suffer loss or meet with disappointment. But virtue prevents him from adding to his troubles through his own wrongdoing, and it gives him a principle for living honestly. Even as the body changes with age, the ease of mind that comes from good conduct remains valuable.

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.