This is interesting, and got me contemplating. The first two lines appear to talk about good outcomes within samsara - a good destination or a happy state, and prosperity or wealth.
However, the third line appears to flip everything over. It talks about nibbāna, not samsāra. It’s as if the narrative makes a big joke out of the first two lines.
“You know, those first two lines - happiness and prosperity - were just the teaser. They still keep you stuck in samsāra, and eventually not useful for you. Now chuck it all out - this is the real deal - Sīlena nibbutim yanti”
Wandering along this line of contemplation, it makes me wonder if that last line “Tasmā sīlam visodhaye” is intended to apply only to the preceding line, and not the first two.
Am guessing here - the audience is diverse - hence the first two lines that could appeal to some people.
Anyway, this was on my mind for a while, it’s just curiosity, and I wonder if anyone here could shed more light on this, from your experience?
I think that people interest in nibbana is varied. Some people either don’t think that extinguishment is possible (for them), aren’t ready to let go of their stuff (physical or mental) and some people just want a rebirth in heaven.
I feel like the Apaṇṇaka sutta MN 60 is quite relevant here too. The first two lines are just about the safety in this life, whereas the third is about this being a multi-lifetime investment, and the forth line is saying that virtuous conduct is a sure bet either way.
In one who first practices high status
Definite goodness arises later,
For having attained high status,
One comes gradually to definite goodness.
High status is considered to be happiness,
Definite goodness is liberation.
High status = good rebirth in human or deva realm, and other mundane happiness, wealth, health, etc.
Definite goodness = Nibbana. Liberation.
In general, the pursuit of nibbana can’t happen before one secure temporary happiness. At least one must be well fed, well clothed, good health, and relatively stable life, before one will think about nibbana.
The two stories are stark. Specially the second one, in these lines:
“While staying in the charnel ground,I saw my son’s flesh being eaten.With my family destroyed, condemned by all,and my husband dead, I realized freedom from death.”
