Commentary on the stanza on the gold bangle (suvaṇṇa-valāya)

104. What is the origin of the stanza beginning with Disvāsuvaṇṇassa (having seen gold?) It is said that a certain king in Benares, was one, who had gone towards lying down for the day in hot season. Near him, a courtesan was grinding cool sandal-wood. Round her one arm there was gold bracelet; round another arm there were two. They knocked against one another; the other one did not do so. The king saw it, thought thus: “In the self-same way, people living together in crowds knock against one another;there is no clash in living alone”, and looked at the beautyslave again and again. On that occasion also, the queen who was dressed up and decorated with all ornaments was there stationed fanning the king. She thought:- “Methinks the king has fallen in love with the courtesan”, made the harlot get up and she herself began to grind the sandalwood. There were then many a gold bangle round both of her arms; knocking against each other they produced great sound. The king became more exceedingly disgusted, began to develop spiritual insight while still lying on his right side, visualised the silent buddhahood. The queen with sandal grindings in her hand approached him who was lying happily with transcendental bliss and said: “O great king! I am going to besmear you”. The king replied: “Go away; do not besmear me”. She asked: “Why? O great king!” He said: “I am no more king”. When they heard the conversation between those two, the ministers approached the two. When conversation was made by them also with such an address as great king, he said: “O ministers! I am king no longer”. The rest is but the same as already said in the first stanza.

104.1. This, however, is the commentary on the stanza:- Disvā (having seen) is: having looked at; Suvaṇṇassa (of good colour) is of gold. Valayāni is the Pāḷi-word left unread (of unwritten). It indeed, is the remaining worldly meaning; this is what is meant. Pabhassarāni (glitter) is: shining character, possessing radiance; thus, is the statement. The remainder is clear with regard worldly meaning. This, however, is the interpretation --- Having seen, round her arm, gold bangles, I thought thus: “If there is living in company, there is clash (mutual knocking); living singly there is no knocking (or clash)” began to develop spiritual insight and I made my achievement.

The Commentary on the stanza, beginning with suvaṇṇavalāya (gold bangle) has ended.