In Buddhism, the cultivation of a clear and pure mind is regarded as a matter of greater importance than anything else.
There is a parable comparing the mind to water: in murky water, even a sea teeming with shrimps, shellfish, crabs, and fish cannot be seen. In the same way, when the mind is clouded, one cannot distinguish good from evil, merit from demerit, one’s own benefit from the benefit of others.
What is beneficial may appear harmful, and what is harmful may appear beneficial. In some cases, one may recognise that something is indeed beneficial, yet be unable to distinguish whether it serves others or oneself — and so one seizes it entirely for personal gain, giving rise to a great deal of confusion and trouble thereafter.
Such are the disadvantages of a troubled mind. And the mind becomes troubled through greed, through anger, and through delusion — these are what cloud it.
At the same time, in clear water, all things become visible — shrimps, shellfish, crabs, and fish both large and small; pebbles and grains of sand; precious gems and jewels of every kind, whether resting at the bottom of a well, a pond, a river, or the sea — all are plainly seen, for the water is clear.
Therefore, when the mind is clear and pure, good and evil, merit and demerit, become distinguishable. The mind is clear because it is free from greed, free from anger, and free from delusion. And because the mind is undisturbed and pure, one is able to perceive what is beneficial and what is harmful, what is meritorious and what is sinful.
Furthermore, one can properly discern what serves others, what serves oneself, and what serves the common good — apportioning each appropriately — and in so doing, all will dwell together in happiness.
June 24th, 2017
