"Before teaching begins, the Commentator first advises about the mindset one should maintain. There's a Pali phrase 'Alagaddupama' (The Simile of the Snake). Just understanding the meaning of this phrase makes me deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a student.
Whether it's:
- increasing in knowledge
- growing in wealth
- rising in power
These increases and growth are not meant for harming others. Nor should we think, 'Because they did this to me before, now that I have power, it's my turn to strike back like lightning when the rain comes.'
If one uses their advancement, growth, and power for hostility and oppression, it's like a snake-catcher who doesn't know how to catch snakes properly - they end up getting bitten by their own catch. It's self-destruction, caused by oneself, not by others.
These advancements and growth should be used properly and skillfully. Particularly, all these increases in knowledge, wealth, and power should be utilized as supports for achieving the Path and Fruition."
This teaching emphasizes the proper attitude towards learning and advancement in Buddhist studies, reminding us that knowledge and power should be used for spiritual development rather than worldly harm or revenge.
