Dhammapada Chapter 16 Verse 209-220: Affection
Verse 209,210,211 (Hold nothing dear, give up affection)
Ayoge yuñjam attānaṃ, yogasmiñca ayojayaṃ
Atthaṃ hitvā piyaggāhī, pihet’attānuyoginaṃ
He who does what should not be done and fails to do what should be done, who forsakes the noble aim of life and grasps at sensual pleasure, covets the benefits gained by those who exert themselves.
Mā piyehi samāgañchi, appiyehi kudācanaṃ
Piyānaṃ adassanaṃ dukkhaṃ, appiyānañca dassanaṃ
Don’t associate with the dear, and never with the undear.
Not seeing those who are dear is painful, (as is) seeing those who are not dear.
Tasmā piyaṃ na kayirātha, piyāpāyo hi pāpako
Ganthā tesaṃ na vijjanti, yesaṃ natthi piyāppiyaṃ
Therefore, one should hold nothing dear; separation from the loved ones is painful;
there are no fetters for those who do not love or hate.
Story related to Dhammpada Verse 209,210,211 : Three Ascetics
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verses 209, 210 and 211 with reference to a trio, consisting of a father, a mother and a son.
Once in Savatthi, the only son of a family first became a bhikkhu; the father followed suit and finally, the mother also became a bhikkhuni. They were so attached to one another that they rarely stayed apart. The family stayed in the monastery as if they were in their own house, talking and eating together, thus making themselves a nuisance to others.
Other bhikkhus reported their behaviour to the Buddha and he called them to his presence, and said to them, "Once you have joined the Order, you should no longer stay together like a family. Not seeing those who are dear, and seeing those who are not dear to one, are both painful; so you should not hold any being or anything dear to you".
In other words, to be separated with loved ones is suffering and to be with unloved is suffering. Thus one should abandon attachments and hold nothing dear.
Ayoge yuñjam attānaṃ, yogasmiñca ayojayaṃ
Atthaṃ hitvā piyaggāhī, pihet’attānuyoginaṃ
He who does what should not be done and fails to do what should be done, who forsakes the noble aim of life and grasps at sensual pleasure, covets the benefits gained by those who exert themselves.
Mā piyehi samāgañchi, appiyehi kudācanaṃ
Piyānaṃ adassanaṃ dukkhaṃ, appiyānañca dassanaṃ
Don’t associate with the dear, and never with the undear.
Not seeing those who are dear is painful, (as is) seeing those who are not dear.
Tasmā piyaṃ na kayirātha, piyāpāyo hi pāpako
Ganthā tesaṃ na vijjanti, yesaṃ natthi piyāppiyaṃ
Therefore, one should hold nothing dear; separation from the loved ones is painful;
there are no fetters for those who do not love or hate.
Story related to Dhammpada Verse 209,210,211 : Three Ascetics
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verses 209, 210 and 211 with reference to a trio, consisting of a father, a mother and a son.
Once in Savatthi, the only son of a family first became a bhikkhu; the father followed suit and finally, the mother also became a bhikkhuni. They were so attached to one another that they rarely stayed apart. The family stayed in the monastery as if they were in their own house, talking and eating together, thus making themselves a nuisance to others.
Other bhikkhus reported their behaviour to the Buddha and he called them to his presence, and said to them, "Once you have joined the Order, you should no longer stay together like a family. Not seeing those who are dear, and seeing those who are not dear to one, are both painful; so you should not hold any being or anything dear to you".
In other words, to be separated with loved ones is suffering and to be with unloved is suffering. Thus one should abandon attachments and hold nothing dear.
Verse 212: The outcome of endearment
Piyato jayati soko piyato jayati bhayam
piyato vippamuttassa natthi soko kuto bhayam
Affection begets sorrow, affection begets fear. For him who is free from affection there is no sorrow; how can there be fear for him?
Story related to Dhammapada Verse 212: Rich Householder
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse 212 with reference to a rich householder who had lost his son.
Once, a householder was feeling very distressed over the death of his son. He often went to the cemetery and wept there. Early one morning, the Buddha saw the rich householder in his vision. So, taking a bhikkhu along with him, the Buddha went to the house of that man. There, he asked the man why he was feeling so unhappy. Then, the man related to the Buddha about the death of his son and about the pain and sorrow he was suffering. To him the Buddha said, "My disciple, death does not occur only in one place. All beings that are born must die one day; indeed, life ends in death. You must ever be mindful of the fact that life ends in death. Do not imagine that only your beloved son is subject to death. Do not be so distressed or be so shaken. Sorrow and fear arise out of affection."
Piyato jayati soko piyato jayati bhayam
piyato vippamuttassa natthi soko kuto bhayam
Affection begets sorrow, affection begets fear. For him who is free from affection there is no sorrow; how can there be fear for him?
Story related to Dhammapada Verse 212: Rich Householder
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse 212 with reference to a rich householder who had lost his son.
Once, a householder was feeling very distressed over the death of his son. He often went to the cemetery and wept there. Early one morning, the Buddha saw the rich householder in his vision. So, taking a bhikkhu along with him, the Buddha went to the house of that man. There, he asked the man why he was feeling so unhappy. Then, the man related to the Buddha about the death of his son and about the pain and sorrow he was suffering. To him the Buddha said, "My disciple, death does not occur only in one place. All beings that are born must die one day; indeed, life ends in death. You must ever be mindful of the fact that life ends in death. Do not imagine that only your beloved son is subject to death. Do not be so distressed or be so shaken. Sorrow and fear arise out of affection."
Verse 213 From affection springs grief
Pemato jāyatī soko, pemato jāyatī bhayaṃ
Pemato vippamuttassa, natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ?
From affection springs grief, from affection springs fear;
for him who is wholly free from affection there is no grief, whence fear?
Story Related to Dhammapada Verse 213: Visakha
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse 213 with reference to Visakha, the renowned donor of the Pubbarama monastery.
One day, a granddaughter of Visakha named Sudatta died and Visakha felt very deeply about her loss and was sorrowing over the child's death. So she went to the Buddha; when the Buddha saw her, he said, "Visakha, don't you realize that many people die in Savatthi every day? If you were to regard all of them as you regard your own grandchild you would have to be endlessly weeping and mourning. Let not the death of a child affect you too much. Sorrow and fear arise out of endearment."
Pemato jāyatī soko, pemato jāyatī bhayaṃ
Pemato vippamuttassa, natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ?
From affection springs grief, from affection springs fear;
for him who is wholly free from affection there is no grief, whence fear?
Story Related to Dhammapada Verse 213: Visakha
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse 213 with reference to Visakha, the renowned donor of the Pubbarama monastery.
One day, a granddaughter of Visakha named Sudatta died and Visakha felt very deeply about her loss and was sorrowing over the child's death. So she went to the Buddha; when the Buddha saw her, he said, "Visakha, don't you realize that many people die in Savatthi every day? If you were to regard all of them as you regard your own grandchild you would have to be endlessly weeping and mourning. Let not the death of a child affect you too much. Sorrow and fear arise out of endearment."
Verse 214 From passion springs grief
Ratiyā jāyatī soko, ratiyā jāyatī bhayaṃ
Ratiyā vippamuttassa, natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ?
From passion springs grief, from passion springs fear; for him who
is wholly free from passion there is no grief, much less fear.
Story related to Dhammapada Verse 214: Licchavi Princes
While residing at the Kutagara monastery in Vesali, the Buddha uttered Verse 214 with reference to the Licchavi princes.
On one festival day, the Buddha entered the town of Vesali, accompanied by a retinue of bhikkhus. On their way, they met some Licchavi princes, who had come out elegantly dressed up. The Buddha seeing them in full regalia said to the bhikkhus, "Bhikkhus, those who have not been to the Tavatimsa deva world should have a good look at these Licchavi princes."
The princes were then on their way to a pleasure garden. There, they quarrelled over a prostitute and soon came to blows. As a result, some of them had to be carried home, bleeding. As the Buddha returned with the bhikkhus after his meal in the town, they saw the wounded princes being carried home.
In connection with the above incident the bhikkhus remarked, "For the sake of a woman, these Licchavi princes are ruined." To them the Buddha replied, "Bhikkhus, sorrow and fear arise out of enjoyment of sensual pleasures and attachment to them."
Ratiyā jāyatī soko, ratiyā jāyatī bhayaṃ
Ratiyā vippamuttassa, natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ?
From passion springs grief, from passion springs fear; for him who
is wholly free from passion there is no grief, much less fear.
Story related to Dhammapada Verse 214: Licchavi Princes
While residing at the Kutagara monastery in Vesali, the Buddha uttered Verse 214 with reference to the Licchavi princes.
On one festival day, the Buddha entered the town of Vesali, accompanied by a retinue of bhikkhus. On their way, they met some Licchavi princes, who had come out elegantly dressed up. The Buddha seeing them in full regalia said to the bhikkhus, "Bhikkhus, those who have not been to the Tavatimsa deva world should have a good look at these Licchavi princes."
The princes were then on their way to a pleasure garden. There, they quarrelled over a prostitute and soon came to blows. As a result, some of them had to be carried home, bleeding. As the Buddha returned with the bhikkhus after his meal in the town, they saw the wounded princes being carried home.
In connection with the above incident the bhikkhus remarked, "For the sake of a woman, these Licchavi princes are ruined." To them the Buddha replied, "Bhikkhus, sorrow and fear arise out of enjoyment of sensual pleasures and attachment to them."
Verse 215 From lust springs grief
Kāmato jāyatī soko, kāmato jāyatī bhayaṃ
Kāmato vippamuttassa natthi, soko kuto bhayaṃ?
From lust springs grief, from lust springs fear; for him who is wholly
free from lust there is no grief, whence fear?
Story related to Dhammapada Verse 215: Anitthigandha Kumara
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse 215 with reference to a youth, named Anitthigandha.
Anitthigandha lived in Savatthi. He was to marry a beautiful young girl from the city of Sagala, in the country of the Maddas. As the bride was coming from her home to Savatthi, she became ill and died on the way. When the bridegroom learned about the tragic death of his bride he was brokenhearted.
At this juncture, the Buddha knowing that time was ripe for the young man to attain Sotapatti Fruition went to his house. The parents of the young man offered alms-food to the Buddha. After the meal, the Buddha asked his parents to bring the young man to his presence.
When he came, the Buddha asked him why he was in such pain and distress and the young man related the whole story of the tragic death of his young bride. Then the Buddha said to him, "O Anitthigandha! Lust begets sorrow; it is due to lust for things and lust for sensual pleasures that sorrow and fear arise."
Kāmato jāyatī soko, kāmato jāyatī bhayaṃ
Kāmato vippamuttassa natthi, soko kuto bhayaṃ?
From lust springs grief, from lust springs fear; for him who is wholly
free from lust there is no grief, whence fear?
Story related to Dhammapada Verse 215: Anitthigandha Kumara
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse 215 with reference to a youth, named Anitthigandha.
Anitthigandha lived in Savatthi. He was to marry a beautiful young girl from the city of Sagala, in the country of the Maddas. As the bride was coming from her home to Savatthi, she became ill and died on the way. When the bridegroom learned about the tragic death of his bride he was brokenhearted.
At this juncture, the Buddha knowing that time was ripe for the young man to attain Sotapatti Fruition went to his house. The parents of the young man offered alms-food to the Buddha. After the meal, the Buddha asked his parents to bring the young man to his presence.
When he came, the Buddha asked him why he was in such pain and distress and the young man related the whole story of the tragic death of his young bride. Then the Buddha said to him, "O Anitthigandha! Lust begets sorrow; it is due to lust for things and lust for sensual pleasures that sorrow and fear arise."
Verse 216 From craving springs grief
Taṇhāya jāyatī soko, taṇhāya jāyatī bhayaṃ
Taṇhāya vippamuttassa, natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ?
From craving springs grief, from craving springs fear; for him who
is wholly free from craving there is no grief, whence fear?
Story related to Dhamampada Verse 216: Brahmin
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse 216 with reference to a brahmin who was a farmer.
The brahmin lived in Savatthi, and he was a non-Buddhist. But the Buddha knew that the brahmin would attain Sotapatti Fruition in the near future. So the Buddha went to where the brahmin was ploughing his field and talked to him. The brahmin became friendly and was thankful to the Buddha for taking an interest in him and his work in the field.
One day, he said to the Buddha, "Samana Gotama, when I have gathered my rice from this field, I will first offer you some before I take it. I will not eat my rice until I have given you some." However, the Buddha knew beforehand that the brahmin would not have the opportunity to harvest the rice from his field that year, but he kept silent.
Then, on the night before the brahmin was to harvest his rice, there was a heavy downpour of rain which washed away the entire crop of rice. The brahmin was very much distressed, because he would no longer be able to offer any rice to his friend, the Samana Gotama.
The Buddha went to the house of the brahmin and the brahmin talked to him about the great disaster that had befallen him. In reply, the Buddha said, "Brahmin, you do not know the cause of sorrow, but I know. If sorrow and fear arise, they arise because of craving."
Taṇhāya jāyatī soko, taṇhāya jāyatī bhayaṃ
Taṇhāya vippamuttassa, natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ?
From craving springs grief, from craving springs fear; for him who
is wholly free from craving there is no grief, whence fear?
Story related to Dhamampada Verse 216: Brahmin
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse 216 with reference to a brahmin who was a farmer.
The brahmin lived in Savatthi, and he was a non-Buddhist. But the Buddha knew that the brahmin would attain Sotapatti Fruition in the near future. So the Buddha went to where the brahmin was ploughing his field and talked to him. The brahmin became friendly and was thankful to the Buddha for taking an interest in him and his work in the field.
One day, he said to the Buddha, "Samana Gotama, when I have gathered my rice from this field, I will first offer you some before I take it. I will not eat my rice until I have given you some." However, the Buddha knew beforehand that the brahmin would not have the opportunity to harvest the rice from his field that year, but he kept silent.
Then, on the night before the brahmin was to harvest his rice, there was a heavy downpour of rain which washed away the entire crop of rice. The brahmin was very much distressed, because he would no longer be able to offer any rice to his friend, the Samana Gotama.
The Buddha went to the house of the brahmin and the brahmin talked to him about the great disaster that had befallen him. In reply, the Buddha said, "Brahmin, you do not know the cause of sorrow, but I know. If sorrow and fear arise, they arise because of craving."
Verse 217 The Virtuous are dear to all
Sīladassanasampannaṃ, dhammaṭṭhaṃ saccavedinaṃ
Attano kammakubbānaṃ, taṃ jano kurute piyaṃ
Whoever is perfect in virtue and insight, established in the Dhamma,
has realised the Truths, and fulfilled his duties — people hold him dear.
Story related to Dhammapada Verse 217: Five Hundred Boys
While residing at the Veluvana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse 217 with reference to five hundred boys.
On one festival day, the Buddha entered the city of Rajagaha for alms-food, accompanied by a number of bhikkhus. On their way, they met five hundred boys going to a pleasure garden. The boys were carrying some baskets of pancakes but they did not offer anything to the Buddha and his bhikkhus.
But the Buddha said to his bhikkhus, "Bhikkhus, you shall eat those pancakes today; the owner is coming close behind us. We shall proceed only after taking some of these pancakes." After saying this, the Buddha and his bhikkhus rested under the shade of a tree. Just at that moment Thera Kassapa came along, and the boys seeing him paid obeisance to him and offered all their pancakes to the thera.
The thera then told the boys, "My teacher the Exalted One is resting underneath a tree over there accompanied by some bhikkhus; go and make an offering of your pancakes to him and the bhikkhus." The boys did as they were told. The Buddha accepted their offering of pan-cakes. Later, when the bhikkhus remarked that the boys were very partial to Thera Kassapa, the Buddha said to them, "Bhikkhus, all bhikkhus who are like my son Kassapa are liked by both devas and men. Such bhikkhus always receive ample offerings of the four requisites of bhikkhus."
At the end of the discourse the five hundred boys attained Sotapatti Fruition.
In other words, one who is virtuous are dear to all
Sīladassanasampannaṃ, dhammaṭṭhaṃ saccavedinaṃ
Attano kammakubbānaṃ, taṃ jano kurute piyaṃ
Whoever is perfect in virtue and insight, established in the Dhamma,
has realised the Truths, and fulfilled his duties — people hold him dear.
Story related to Dhammapada Verse 217: Five Hundred Boys
While residing at the Veluvana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse 217 with reference to five hundred boys.
On one festival day, the Buddha entered the city of Rajagaha for alms-food, accompanied by a number of bhikkhus. On their way, they met five hundred boys going to a pleasure garden. The boys were carrying some baskets of pancakes but they did not offer anything to the Buddha and his bhikkhus.
But the Buddha said to his bhikkhus, "Bhikkhus, you shall eat those pancakes today; the owner is coming close behind us. We shall proceed only after taking some of these pancakes." After saying this, the Buddha and his bhikkhus rested under the shade of a tree. Just at that moment Thera Kassapa came along, and the boys seeing him paid obeisance to him and offered all their pancakes to the thera.
The thera then told the boys, "My teacher the Exalted One is resting underneath a tree over there accompanied by some bhikkhus; go and make an offering of your pancakes to him and the bhikkhus." The boys did as they were told. The Buddha accepted their offering of pan-cakes. Later, when the bhikkhus remarked that the boys were very partial to Thera Kassapa, the Buddha said to them, "Bhikkhus, all bhikkhus who are like my son Kassapa are liked by both devas and men. Such bhikkhus always receive ample offerings of the four requisites of bhikkhus."
At the end of the discourse the five hundred boys attained Sotapatti Fruition.
In other words, one who is virtuous are dear to all
Verse 218 The unattached are bound upstream
Chandajāto anakkhāte, manasā ca phuṭo siyā
Kāmesu ca appaṭibaddhacitto, uddhaṃsoto’ti vuccati
He who has developed a desire for the Ineffable (i.e., Nibbana), whose mind reaches the same, and is no longer attached to the sensual world (kamaloka), is called one who is bound upstream (uddhamsoto).
Story related to Dhammapada Verse 218 : Anagami Thera
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse 218 with reference to a thera who was an Anagami (Non-returner).
On one occasion, the pupils of the thera asked him whether he had attained any of the maggas (stages of enlightenment); but he did not say anything although he had attained the Anagami Magga, the third magga (non-returner). He kept silent because he had resolved not to talk about his attainment until he had attained arahatship. But the thera passed away without attaining arahatship, and also without saying anything about his attainment of Anagami Magga Insight.
His pupils thought their teacher had passed away without attaining any of the maggas and they felt sorry for him. They went to the Buddha and asked him where their teacher was reborn. The Buddha replied, "Bhikkhus! Your teacher, who was an Anagami before he passed away, is now reborn in the abodes of the Brahmas (Suddhavasa Brahmaloka). He did not reveal his attainment of Anagami Magga because he felt ashamed that he had achieved only that much, and he was ardently striving to attain arahatship. Your teacher is now freed from the attachment to the sensual world (kamaloka) and would certainly rise to higher realms."
In other words, one who is no longer attached to sensual pleasures, with a desire for nibbana will be bound for the upstream.
Chandajāto anakkhāte, manasā ca phuṭo siyā
Kāmesu ca appaṭibaddhacitto, uddhaṃsoto’ti vuccati
He who has developed a desire for the Ineffable (i.e., Nibbana), whose mind reaches the same, and is no longer attached to the sensual world (kamaloka), is called one who is bound upstream (uddhamsoto).
Story related to Dhammapada Verse 218 : Anagami Thera
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse 218 with reference to a thera who was an Anagami (Non-returner).
On one occasion, the pupils of the thera asked him whether he had attained any of the maggas (stages of enlightenment); but he did not say anything although he had attained the Anagami Magga, the third magga (non-returner). He kept silent because he had resolved not to talk about his attainment until he had attained arahatship. But the thera passed away without attaining arahatship, and also without saying anything about his attainment of Anagami Magga Insight.
His pupils thought their teacher had passed away without attaining any of the maggas and they felt sorry for him. They went to the Buddha and asked him where their teacher was reborn. The Buddha replied, "Bhikkhus! Your teacher, who was an Anagami before he passed away, is now reborn in the abodes of the Brahmas (Suddhavasa Brahmaloka). He did not reveal his attainment of Anagami Magga because he felt ashamed that he had achieved only that much, and he was ardently striving to attain arahatship. Your teacher is now freed from the attachment to the sensual world (kamaloka) and would certainly rise to higher realms."
In other words, one who is no longer attached to sensual pleasures, with a desire for nibbana will be bound for the upstream.
Verse 219-220 Good Actions Lead To Good Results
Cirappavāsiṃ purisaṃ, dūrato sotthim āgataṃ
ñātimittā suhajjā ca, abhinandanti āgataṃ
Tath’eva katapuññam pi asmā lokā paraṃ gataṃ
Puññāni patigaṇhanti piyaṃ ñātiṃ ’va āgataṃ.
A man long absent and returned safe from afar, his relatives, friends,
and well-wishers welcome on his arrival.
Similarly, good deeds will welcome the doer of good who has left this
world for the next, like how relatives welcome a dear relative on his return.
Story related to Dhammapada Verse 219-220: Nandiya
While residing at the Isipatana wood, the Buddha uttered Verses 219 and 220 with reference to Nandiya.
Nandiya was a rich man from Baranasi. After listening to the Buddha's discourse on the benefits of building monasteries for bhikkhus, Nandiya built the Mahavihara monastery at Isipatana. The building was pinnacled and fully furnished. As soon as the monastery was offered to the Buddha, a mansion came up for Nandiya at the Tavatimsa deva world.
One day, when Thera Maha Moggalana visited the Tavatimsa deva world he saw the mansion which was meant for the donor of the Mahavihara monastery at Isipatana. On his return from the Tavatimsa deva world, Thera Maha Moggalana asked the Buddha, "Venerable Sir! For those who perform meritorious deeds, do they have mansions and other riches prepared in the deva world even while they are still living in this world ?" To him the Buddha said, "My son, why do you ask? Have you not yourself seen the mansion and riches waiting for Nandiya in the Tavatimsa deva world? The devas await the coming of the good and generous ones, as relatives await the return of one who is long absent. When the good ones die, they are welcomed joyously to the abode of the devas."
In other words, when one does meritorious good deeds , one will have good returns.
Cirappavāsiṃ purisaṃ, dūrato sotthim āgataṃ
ñātimittā suhajjā ca, abhinandanti āgataṃ
Tath’eva katapuññam pi asmā lokā paraṃ gataṃ
Puññāni patigaṇhanti piyaṃ ñātiṃ ’va āgataṃ.
A man long absent and returned safe from afar, his relatives, friends,
and well-wishers welcome on his arrival.
Similarly, good deeds will welcome the doer of good who has left this
world for the next, like how relatives welcome a dear relative on his return.
Story related to Dhammapada Verse 219-220: Nandiya
While residing at the Isipatana wood, the Buddha uttered Verses 219 and 220 with reference to Nandiya.
Nandiya was a rich man from Baranasi. After listening to the Buddha's discourse on the benefits of building monasteries for bhikkhus, Nandiya built the Mahavihara monastery at Isipatana. The building was pinnacled and fully furnished. As soon as the monastery was offered to the Buddha, a mansion came up for Nandiya at the Tavatimsa deva world.
One day, when Thera Maha Moggalana visited the Tavatimsa deva world he saw the mansion which was meant for the donor of the Mahavihara monastery at Isipatana. On his return from the Tavatimsa deva world, Thera Maha Moggalana asked the Buddha, "Venerable Sir! For those who perform meritorious deeds, do they have mansions and other riches prepared in the deva world even while they are still living in this world ?" To him the Buddha said, "My son, why do you ask? Have you not yourself seen the mansion and riches waiting for Nandiya in the Tavatimsa deva world? The devas await the coming of the good and generous ones, as relatives await the return of one who is long absent. When the good ones die, they are welcomed joyously to the abode of the devas."
In other words, when one does meritorious good deeds , one will have good returns.
