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Our heart is just like a mirror. Only after we have thoroughly polished the mirror within can we clearly reflect the external world. However, for most people, the mirror inside their heart is covered with dust, causing their reflections to be unclear and distorted. Greed, just like dust that obscure the surface of a mirror, prevents the mind from revealing the true reality of the world. To remove greedy desire is simple — by eating simply and modestly, and dressing neatly and appropriately. For plain clothes and simple meals themselves are a form of spiritual practice. These few lines are easily understood by all, but can we identify and stop our greedy desires in time when they arise?
In the third chapter of the Lotus Sutra, there is a parable about a poor man who was invited to a relative’s celebratory event. He thought that he should dress decently since he was a guest, hence he began to save up diligently. Finally with his continuous effort, he managed to save enough to purchase a piece of coarse cloth to be made into a new set of clothing. He was very satisfied with his new clothing, and attended the event happily in his new outfit.
During the celebratory banquet, the person sitting next to him said, “You look like a dignified and capable man, such a shame that you are wearing this outfit. If you were dressed in fine silk and satin, you will look more like a noble person.” The poor man was delighted to hear this, but responded with resignation, “I had to work very hard just to make myself a new outfit from coarse cloth. What more can I possibly do?” The person proceeded to tell him, “Listen to me, and your dream will come true.” Upon hearing that, the poor man happily agreed and followed the person to the rural outskirts.
The man began to start a fire, and told the poor man, “Remove your clothing and throw them into the fire. While doing so, you need to pray sincerely. The coarse clothing will then be transformed into fine silk and satin.” Wishing desperately for a piece of fine clothing, the poor man disregarded the fact that that was the only piece of clothing he owned. He rapidly removed his clothing and threw his garments into the fire while praying fervently, “May this piece of coarse cloth turn into fine clothing”. However after the fire died down, there was nothing left except a pile of ashes. The poor man asked anxiously, “Where is the clothing? Where is my clothing?” The other man shrugged and replied. “Sorry! Because you are not sincere enough, hence there is nothing much I can do now.” He left after saying that, leaving the poor man naked and bewildered, standing there and bursting into tears.
Some might think that this is just a story, for it sounded ridiculous. But in reality, if one’s heart is not upright, it’s easy to stray onto the wrong path and even plunge into ruin. How long is a single lifetime? It is meaningless to be obsessed with the pursuit of worldly enjoyment, for with one single misstep, one may lose their human rebirth, and countless aeons may pass before such a chance return again. We should make good use of our body as a sacred vessel by maintaining the purity of our heart. Just as we bathe regularly to keep our body clean, maintaining our body and mind clean keeps them unstained and untainted. In our daily lives, we must continue to act with right mindfulness, right action, right livelihood, right speech, right view, right thought, right concentration, and right effort—constantly polish the mirror of the heart so that it may reflect the growth of wisdom.
Translated by Soh Wan Siew
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