(Photo source: Pexels)
Human nature is inherently kind. If a human is not affected by the Five Poisons, namely greed, hatred, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt, his mind will be the most peaceful and beautiful realm.
In a mountain forest, a very innocent and pure little monkey was fond of all things in the world. Be it a tree or a stone, he would observe it carefully and often could not stop himself from admiring it, "How beautiful it is!" When hearing any sound on the earth, he would say, "How wonderful it is!" When seeing animals, whether a ferocious tiger or a delicate bird, he would find all of them cute!
One day, the forest caught fire, and the father and mother of the little monkey urged him to escape quickly. He ran halfway and remembered that he had forgotten his precious bag and book, so he turned his way back. When collecting his belongings and fleeing against the wind, he saw an old weasel woman who looked anxious as she could not walk. The little monkey could not bear to see her suffering and asked her to lie on his back, and he ran forward quickly again.
Soon, another mouse shouted in fear, "Who can take me out of here? Save my life!" The little monkey asked why he did not run away. He said, "I can only see things at night but not during daytime, so I don't know where to run now." The little monkey replied, "Come, hide in my bag, and I'll bring you out." The mouse jumped into the bag, and the little monkey carried the weasel and the mouse on his back and continued to run against the wind.
The little monkey found a deep cliff ahead when reaching the end of the path! "How can I get to the opposite hillside? If we fell, we would be smashed to pieces! What should I do?"
Seeing the smoke approaching gradually, the little monkey was very anxious and tried to look at the surroundings. He saw a pine tree growing on the edge of the cliff, and its branches were long and extended nearly to the opposite side. Although there was still a gap to the opposite side, he could tie himself and jump over with the vine.
The little monkey asked the weasel to hold his back tightly and the mouse to hide in the bag. Subsequently, he pulled the vine and jumped with all his strength - and he made it! The weasel was very moved and said, "Little monkey, you are brave and caring! When the forest caught fire, everyone was running for their lives, but you took the risk to rescue the mouse and me, whom you never knew. You are truly the god of love in this mountain and a living Bodhisattva for all beings!"
All living creatures possess pure and untainted nature, and even animals have love and wisdom. All human beings have to eliminate the Five Poisons to attain the most beautiful state of mind.
Just like that little monkey, whenever he heard any sound, he would feel amazed. Whenever he saw any form of life, he would think that was a beautiful scenery on earth. Whenever there was a disaster, he would save himself but also others. This is our true innate nature.
Our human heart is like the heart of Buddha and Bodhisattva, namely, all have perfect great love. I hope you will be more mindful in protecting our innate nature - the most precious treasure in the world.
Translated by Ong Chia Mian
Share 
