The Best Four Things to Do According to Jara Sutta
The Jara Sutta is a profound teaching from the Buddha that answers four essential questions posed by a deity. These questions relate to the best practice until old age, the best place to reside, the most valuable gem, and the one thing thieves cannot steal. The Buddha's answers provide a timeless guide to living a meaningful and virtuous life. In this article, we explore these four answers and their deeper meanings, along with their relevance in our modern world.
Jara Sutta
Question Gāthā (Verse by the Deity):
Kinsu yawa jara sadu?
Kinsu yawa patittita?
Kinsu naranam ratanam?
Kinsu chorehi dhuharanti?
Answer Gāthā (Reply by the Blessed One):
Seelam yava jara sadu,
Saddha sadu patittita,
Paññā naranam ratanam,
Puññam chorehi dhuharanti.
What Is the Best Thing to Practice Until Old Age?
Answer: The Precepts (Sīla)
The Buddha's response to the first question was, Sīlam yāva jarā sādhu – meaning that morality (sīla) is the best practice throughout life. The Five Precepts (Pañca Sīla) serve as a foundation for ethical living and include:
- Refraining from taking life – Practicing non-violence towards all living beings.
- Refraining from stealing – Developing honesty and respecting others' belongings.
- Refraining from sexual misconduct – Upholding relationships with integrity and fidelity.
- Refraining from false speech – Speaking truthfully and avoiding harmful words.
- Refraining from intoxicants – Maintaining a clear mind for wisdom and awareness.
Observing these precepts ensures a life of peace, self-discipline, and respect for others. As we grow older, moral conduct strengthens our character and fosters inner peace. Even in modern society, these values remain crucial for personal and social harmony.
What Is the Best Place to Stay?
Answer: Unshakable Faith (Saddhā)
The second question asked about the best place to stay, to which the Buddha answered, Saddhā sādhu patiṭitā – meaning that faith (saddhā) is the best foundation. But what kind of faith?
Buddhism teaches the importance of faith in:
- The Buddha – as the fully enlightened teacher who discovered the path to liberation.
- The Dhamma – as the ultimate truth and the way to end suffering.
- The Sangha – as the noble community of monks and practitioners who preserve and share the teachings.
Having unwavering faith in the Triple Gem provides stability in life, just like a strong foundation supports a house. This faith isn't blind belief but is strengthened through wisdom and practice. In challenging times, faith acts as our inner refuge, helping us remain grounded despite life's uncertainties.
What Is the Best Gem for Humans?
Answer: Wisdom (Paññā)
The third question was about the most valuable gem, and the Buddha replied, Paññā naraṁaṁ ratanam – meaning that wisdom (paññā) is the highest treasure. Unlike material wealth, wisdom cannot be lost, devalued, or destroyed.
Wisdom in Buddhism refers to understanding the nature of reality, particularly:
- The impermanence (anicca) of all things.
- The suffering (dukkha) inherent in existence.
- The absence of a permanent self (anatta).
Gaining wisdom requires:
- Listening to the Dhamma – Studying the Buddha’s teachings.
- Reflecting deeply – Questioning and analyzing the teachings.
- Meditating – Developing mindfulness to see things as they truly are.
Wisdom leads to liberation. Unlike jewels and riches, wisdom enriches our minds and protects us from suffering. In today’s world, where material success is often prioritized, cultivating wisdom helps us navigate life with clarity and inner peace.
What Is the One Thing Thieves Cannot Steal?
Answer: Merits (Puññā)
The final question was about the one thing thieves cannot take, to which the Buddha answered, Puññāṁ chorehi dūharanti – meaning that merits (puññā) are beyond theft.
Merits are earned through good deeds and righteous actions, including:
- Dāna (Generosity) – Giving selflessly to others.
- Sīla (Virtue) – Upholding moral discipline.
- Bhāvanā (Meditation) – Cultivating mindfulness and insight.
Unlike wealth, which can be stolen or lost, merits remain with us beyond this life. They influence our future, leading to favorable rebirths and spiritual progress. Thus, accumulating merits is the most secure investment, offering benefits in this life and beyond.
Conclusion
The Jara Sutta provides profound guidance for living a meaningful life. The four lessons practicing morality, having unshakable faith, valuing wisdom, and accumulating merits remain as relevant today as they were during the Buddha’s time. By applying these teachings, we cultivate inner peace, resilience, and true happiness.
As we navigate modern challenges, let us remember these timeless principles and strive to embody them in our daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the Five Precepts in Buddhism?
The Five Precepts are ethical guidelines for lay Buddhists: refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxication.
2. Why is wisdom considered the best gem?
Wisdom leads to true understanding and liberation, making it more valuable than any material wealth.
3. How can one accumulate merits?
Merits are earned through generosity, moral conduct, and meditation, benefiting both present and future lives.
4. Why is faith important in Buddhism?
Faith in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha provides stability, guidance, and confidence on the path to enlightenment.
5. Can thieves steal our good karma?
No, merits (good karma) are internal and remain with us beyond this life, unlike physical possessions.
Namo Buddhaya!
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