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 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.

ขยายความบทตั้งIn 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.

ขยายความบทตั้งThe 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.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑One who is watchful, restraining body and speech and not offending others, does not stir up conflict, so enmity and vengeful ill will find no opening to take shape. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Dīgha Nikāya, Mahāvagga:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To 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.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑This 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.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑Restraint 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.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตIn daily life, students who train in keeping the precepts, such as not stealing, not lying and not bullying their friends, lay the foundation of good habits. Working people who keep the precepts avoid dishonesty and hurting others with their words, which helps them to work together with trust. Elderly people who behave honestly, not taking advantage of others and not harming them, can be good examples and a refuge for the minds of their children and grandchildren. These examples show that virtue is beneficial at every stage of life and should be trained continuously. Even those who have made mistakes, if they see the harm and resolve to correct themselves, can begin to keep the precepts and improve their conduct as well.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish for a life of value at every stage should therefore keep the precepts starting today and diligently sustain their good conduct throughout life, because virtue is a beauty that does not depend on age and a principle of living that supports both oneself and others, from youth to old age. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

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