The story takes place in Sravasti. King Pasenadi of Kosala, sitting to one side, addressed the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, when I was alone in quiet meditation, this thought arose in my mind: 'To whom is one dear, and to whom is one not dear?' Venerable sir, I came to this conclusion: 'Those who engage in misconduct of body, speech, and mind are not dear to themselves. Even if they say, 'We love ourselves,' in reality, they do not love themselves. Why? Because what they do to themselves is what someone who doesn't love would do to someone they don't love; therefore, they do not love themselves. On the other hand, those who engage in good conduct of body, speech, and mind are dear to themselves. Even if they say, 'We don't love ourselves,' in reality, they do love themselves. Why? Because what they do to themselves is what someone who loves would do to someone they love; therefore, they love themselves.'"

"Great King, it is so, it is so! Great King, those who engage in misconduct of body, speech, and mind are not dear to themselves. Even if they say, 'We love ourselves,' in reality, they do not love themselves. Why? Great King, because what they do to themselves is what someone who doesn't love would do to someone they don't love; therefore, they do not love themselves. On the other hand, those who engage in good conduct of body, speech, and mind are dear to themselves. Even if they say, 'We don't love ourselves,' in reality, they do love themselves. Why? Great King, because what they do to themselves is what someone who loves would do to someone they love; therefore, they love themselves." After saying this, the Blessed One spoke further:

"If one knows oneself to be dear,

One should not connect oneself with evil;

For happiness is not easily gained

By one who does evil deeds.

When seized by the End-maker (Death),

And departing from existence here,

What is it that belongs to him?

What does he take with him when he goes?

What follows him like a shadow

That never leaves?

Both the good and the evil

That a person does in this world:

This is what belongs to him,

This is what he takes with him when he goes.

This follows him

Like a shadow that never leaves.

Therefore, one should do good deeds,

Collecting merits for the future life;

Merits are the support for living beings

In the other world."

This passage is from a Buddhist sutra, recording a conversation between the Buddha and King Pasenadi. It explores a profound life philosophy: how truly self-loving people act. Let's analyze this wise discourse step by step and delve into the wisdom it contains.

1. Analysis and Explanation

The text begins with King Pasenadi presenting his thoughts to the Buddha: to whom is one dear, and to whom is one not dear? This question touches on the essence of self-love.

King Pasenadi's view, which the Buddha affirms, can be summarized as:

- Those who misbehave (in body, speech, and mind) don't really love themselves, even if they say they do.

- Those who behave well (in body, speech, and mind) truly love themselves, even if they might say they don't.

This reveals an important point: true self-love is not about words but actions. A person's love for themselves should be manifested through good deeds, not empty words.

The Buddha further elaborates on this principle in verse:

- Knowing the importance of self-love, one should avoid evil deeds.

- Doing evil makes it difficult to attain true happiness.

- At the time of death, one can only take their good and bad karma with them.

- Good deeds follow like a shadow and become one's support in the next life.

2. Profound Descriptions and Insights

This dialogue reveals several profound life truths:

The Essence of Self-Love

True self-love is not selfishness or narcissism, but cherishing and respecting one's life through good deeds. This self-love is manifested in daily words and actions, a continuous, positive attitude towards life.

The Importance of Actions

We often overlook the importance of our daily actions, but it is precisely these seemingly insignificant behaviors that shape our lives. Every kind act is the best way to love ourselves.

The Law of Cause and Effect

The Buddha emphasizes the concept of karmic retribution. Each of our actions is like planting a seed that will bear fruit in the future. This reminds us to be constantly vigilant about our behavior and create a beautiful future for ourselves.

The Impermanence and Eternity of Life

Faced with the impermanence of life, the only thing we can truly take with us is our karma. This view makes us reconsider what is truly valuable in life's pursuits.

The Importance of the Present

While discussing the future life, this passage emphasizes more on the present moment's actions. It reminds us that the future begins now, and every choice we make now is shaping our destiny.

3. Inspiring Wisdom, Engaging the Reader

This ancient dialogue still holds profound meaning today. It invites us to consider:

- How do we treat ourselves daily? Do we often overlook the impact of our actions on our lives?

- In this era that emphasizes self-love, do we understand the true meaning of loving ourselves?

- Faced with various temptations and challenges in life, how do we maintain mindfulness and choose actions beneficial to ourselves?

- If today were the last day of our lives, looking back, would we feel content with our actions?

This wise discourse serves as a mirror, reflecting our inner attitudes towards life. It reminds us that true self-love is not selfishness, but nourishing our souls through kind actions and creating a beautiful life for ourselves.

In this materialistic age, re-examining our behavior and cultivating true self-love is perhaps a life lesson we should all begin. Let's start today, loving ourselves through kind actions, cherishing life, and creating a better world.