Commentary on the stanza on sīta-āluka (susceptible to cold)

108. What is the origin of the stanza, beginning with Sītañca? It is said that there was in Benares, a king named Brahmadatta, who was susceptible to cold. He renounced the world, became a recluse, and dwelt in a grass-hut in the forest. In that place, however, it was cold in the cold season and was but hot in the hot season because of the area being in open air. In the village of his begging beat for alms-food, there could not be obtained as much alms-food as he needed. Drinking water was also difficult to obtain. Wind, heat, gadflies, as well as creeping crawling creatures were troublesome also. To him, this idea occurred:- “About half a yojana from here is a prosperous place; there, all these dangers do not exist. It would be well should I go there. By dwelling comfortably, I shall be able to achieve happiness.” Again, he thought to himself: “Monks are such, that they are not covetous of requisites. Such a mind, as theirs, they cause it to be in their own power. They do not get into the power of the mind. I shall not go”. Having reflected wisely thus, he did not go. In this way, he reflected wisely over the uprisen mind up to the third time and receded. Subsequently he lived there even for seven years, proceeding rightly, visualised the silent buddhahood, recited this stanza of joyous utterance and went to the Nandakamūla cave.

108.1. Sītañca, there, is to be explained thus:- Cold is of two kinds:- one is caused by shock of internal elements and the other is caused by shock of external elements. Likewise is heat also. Daṃsā is gad-flies. Sarīsapā refers to such creatures as are born long; they move along and go. The rest is but obvious. The conclusion also should be understood in the self-same manner as stated.

The Commentary on the stanza, beginning with Sītāluka (susceptible to cold) has ended.