The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.128)

2020 • 11 52 T here was a very diligent young monk who was very advanced in learning the teachings of Buddha. He avidly sought the truth and his mind was frequently in a state of tranquil contemplation. However, a mind is sometimes like the waves on the ocean: when a strong wind blows, it can turn wild. One day, this young monk went out to beg for food. When he entered the city, he saw a group of well-dressed women. As he looked over the group, his eyes fell on a beautiful young woman with an attractive body, face and dress. He became totally lost in her beauty. He continued to stare at the group of women until they walked out of sight. After that, the image of the young woman and her companions continued to float in his mind. He thought about them day and night, and he lost all interest in his usual daily activities. He ate without noticing the taste. He was unaware of his warm straw mat. He did not shave his hair or trim his fingernails. His mind was always on those women. His friends could not bear to see him go on like this. “What’s the matter with you? Why are you so listless? You weren’t like this before. What has happened to you?” Prodded by his friends, the young monk finally admitted his problem. “I’m so ashamed of myself because I’m attracted to women, and their images are rooted in my mind. I’m in pain and don’t know what to do.” They felt sorry for him, but they did not know how to help him either, so they suggested that he talk to Buddha. He did not dare to do this, so they pulled and dragged him to Buddha. Buddha saw his haggard appearance and asked, “What happened?” One monk replied, “He’s attracted to women and he doesn’t know what to do about it.” Buddha then asked the young monk, “Is that true?” The young monk raised his head and stared fixedly at Buddha. Buddha encouraged him, “Go ahead, speak up.” He sensed Buddha’s compassion and felt shame in his mind. “It’s true,” he said in tears. “I couldn’t guard my mind and now I’m attracted to women. I’m perplexed and unhappy. Whenever I see other people, I feel that I’m impure and can’t face them. Why am I so filthy inside? I regret this so much that I’m no longer comfortable in my aster Cheng Yen Tells Stories A Young Monk’s Encounter