The world of Tzu Chi January 2020 (Vol.118)

2020 • 01 52 * This article is extracted from the book “The Master Tells Stories”. This is a story that Buddha told to a lay follower, and it was also a lesson on the reality of life. From their desires, humans plant the seeds of suffering and receive the results later. Buddha said that sexual desire was the most dreadful thing, because not only layperson could be confused by desire, but even disciples who had attained the highest level of contemplation and supernatural powers could become lost before a beautiful woman. Most problems in families and society arise from this desire. So if we want to learn Buddhism, we must control our thoughts at all times. a table, chairs, a bed…” He meekly went back to the palace and asked for some furniture. He carried the things one by one to the house and set them up. Then she said, “I want to take a bath now, so hurry up and get some soap and towels and fill the tub with water.” He did as she demanded. After she finished her bath, he finally took a bath too. Afterwards, the monk sat on the bed. Suddenly, the lady grabbed the monk’s beard and pulled his face close to hers. “You have forgotten that you are a monk. Now that we are so close to each other, why don’t you take a good look at my face!” He was stunned at this unexpected reaction. With her face pressed against his, all he could see was a white blur. Furthermore, he was exhausted from the day’s work. At that moment, he suddenly realized that a woman’s beauty was really harmful! He had toiled hard all day long, and what had he gotten for it? Nothing but a white blur! His impure lust had destroyed his contemplation and filled his heart with confusion, and all for a pretty woman. Thus Enlightened, he pushed himself away from her. “I have come to my senses and I’m sending you back to the king. I’m going back to Snow Mountain to spend my days in spiritual formation and to enjoy the tranquillity of meditation.” He sent her back to the palace immediately, and without another thought for life in the palace, he returned to Snow Mountain. When Buddha finished the story, he admonished the adulterous follower. “Even this monk lost his self-control just because of his desire for a woman. It is no wonder that since you are only a layperson living in this vulgar world, you can’t avoid having the same desire. But you have to be aware of your thinking at all times. When you sense that you are thinking about a woman other than your wife, you must get hold of yourself immediately and go look after your wife and your family. You must take on a husband’s responsibility and build a beautiful family.”