อารัมภบทI shall now explain and expand upon the meaning of the Dhamma theme written above, as a guide for study and practice.

อธิบายบทตั้งTo explain: "Restrained" means self-controlled, careful in actions and words so as not to transgress against or harm others, and guarding the mind so that anger and ill will do not lead to wrongdoing. "Enmity" (vera) means hostility, discord and holding grudges with thoughts of revenge. The saying teaches us to prevent the causes of enmity by restraining our conduct, not causing trouble for others and not continuing discord through revenge.

ขยายความบทตั้งThis saying appears together with words about merit increasing for one who gives, the wise abandoning evil, and the peace that comes from the ending of greed, hatred and delusion. The verse thus shows the value of doing good, of restraint and of developing wisdom to abandon the defilements. As for not creating enmity, being careful before thinking, speaking and acting is essential, because harmful words or actions can cause hurt and lead to retaliation until the conflict spreads.

ขยายความบทตั้งRestraint does not mean that we can control all the thoughts or actions of others. It means taking responsibility for our own conduct, not being the one who creates causes for harm, and when faced with displeasure, not letting anger lead to revenge. If we have done wrong, we should admit it, apologise and make amends. If there is a misunderstanding, we should explain with reason. Acting in this way helps resolve problems and reduces the continuation of discord.

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, someone who is careful with his words and does not belittle or mock others so that they feel ashamed helps reduce causes of conflict. A driver who does not cut in front of others, does not behave aggressively and does not respond emotionally helps reduce the chance of quarrels. A student who does not tease his friends, does not take others' belongings without permission and talks things through when there is a problem helps create a good atmosphere in the classroom. Such care in small matters helps prevent problems from escalating into serious discord.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish to live peacefully should therefore restrain body, speech and mind constantly, not harming or taking advantage of others, while training patience and loving-kindness. When wronged, they should restrain thoughts of revenge and solve the problem in an appropriate way. Forgiveness can go together with protecting oneself and seeking help to stop the harm. When one does not create causes of enmity and does not respond with ill will. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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