One is not an elder just by having grey hair. Mature in age but empty of attainment, such a one is called ‘grown old in vain’.

Na tena thero so hoti yenassa palitaṃ siro — one is not an elder by having grey hair: thera is the venerable elder, the senior of the community. Grey hair (palita sira) does not automatically confer this status.

Paripakko vayo tassa moghajiṇṇoti vuccati — mature in age but grown old in vain: moghajīṇṇa is “aged in vain” — a devastating term. Having reached old age without having developed wisdom or virtue is having wasted the privilege of human birth.

The Buddhist tradition distinguishes between thera (elder) by age and thera by realization. This verse establishes that only the second deserves the title. Age does not automatically confer spiritual authority.

In any contemplative tradition, this teaching is relevant: respect should be based on realization and practice, not mere seniority or titles.