Let none neglect their good
for others’ good however great.
Know well oneself’s own good
and to that good attend.
Explanation: One should not neglect one’s own spiritual progress in the course of many acts of service to others. Be fully aware of one’s own spiritual interest, and promote one’s own higher goals
The Story of Venerable Attadattha (Verse 166)
While residing at the Jetavana Monastery, the Buddha spoke this verse, with reference to Venerable Attadattha.
When the Buddha declared that he would realize parinibbana in four months 7 time, many puthujjana monks were apprehensive and did not know what to do; so they kept close to the Buddha. Attadattha, however, did not go to the Buddha and, having resolved to attain arahatship during the lifetime of the Buddha, was striving hard in the meditation practice. Other monks, not understanding him, took him to the Buddha and said, “Venerable, this monk does not seem to love and revere you as we do; he only keeps to himself” The Venerable then explained to them that he was striving hard to attain arahatship before the Buddha realized parinibbana and that was the only reason why he had not come to the Buddha.
The Buddha then said to the monks, “Monks, those who love and revere me should act like Attadattha. You are not paying me homage by just offering flowers, perfumes and incense and by coming to see me; you pay me homage only by practicing the Dhamma I have taught you, i.e., the Lokuttara Dhamma.”
At the end of the discourse, Venerable Attadattha attained arahatship.