Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 80: Approaching the Ground of Remaining Dependence (14) "The Continuous Flow of Pure Thoughts, the Mind Unstained by Dust and Defilement"

In the heart of a bustling city, amidst towering skyscrapers, a constant clamor of traffic and people, Ah Ming, a steadfast practitioner, dressed in plain monk's robes, slowly walked through the bustling streets. The sunlight bathed his serene face, yet seemed unable to penetrate the tranquil world within him.

It was the city's peak commercial season, with shops lining the streets, shouts of sales promotions emanating from all directions. Huge billboards gleamed with dazzling lights, showcasing luxurious goods and a glamorous lifestyle. Young people flocked to entertainment venues, their laughter mingling with vibrant music, filling the air. Yet, Amin's gaze remained clear and resolute. These worldly temptations vanished like fleeting clouds before his pure mind.

Ah Ming arrived at a bustling commercial plaza, a vibrant gathering of people. He found an open corner, sat quietly, and prepared to share the wisdom of Buddhism with passersby. Before him lay some simple Buddhist scriptures and pamphlets, along with a small banner that read, "Buddhism Resolves Doubts, Guidance for the Soul."

A short while later, a businessman in a suit and tie passed by in a hurry. Seeing Amin, he stopped and said with a hint of disdain, "Monk, what era is it? You're still talking about these empty things? You don't do anything, so you rely on these to make money?" Amin looked up, his eyes devoid of anger. He looked at him calmly and said, "Donor, you misunderstood. I simply want to share the wisdom of Buddhism and help people find inner peace in this busy world. I don't seek any profit." The businessman sneered, "Huh, inner peace? I think you're just escaping reality, hiding behind these so-called beliefs." With that, he hurried away.

Ah Ming lowered his head silently and began to reflect on his inner thoughts. He knew full well that such misunderstandings and slander were inevitable in the process of spreading the Dharma. He silently prayed that this donor would one day understand the true meaning of the Dharma. He also warned himself not to let the malicious intent of others sway his pure thoughts. "In this world of dust and dirt, the words of others are but a passing breeze, but my pure thoughts should be as firm and unshakable as a mountain," Ah Ming said to himself.

After a while, a haggard, middle-aged woman approached Amin. Her eyes were filled with worry and fatigue, and she slowly sat down before him. "Master, I've been feeling incredibly stressed lately. The competition at work is fierce, and my children are disobedient. I feel like I'm on the verge of collapse." Amin looked at her with compassion in his eyes. "Donor, worldly troubles are always with us, but we can purify our hearts through spiritual practice. Try to let go of your obsessions, view the competition at work with a normal heart, and treat your family with love and patience." The woman listened to Amin's words and pondered, "Master, I'd like to do the same, but it's difficult." Amin smiled and said, "It takes time. You can start with daily meditation, allowing your inner purity to gradually grow." The woman looked at Amin gratefully, took a scripture booklet, and left.

As time went by, Amin encountered all sorts of people in the square: curious students, skeptical elderly people, and deliberately provocative youths. Once, several young men with colorfully dyed hair and outlandish clothing surrounded him. One of them, a cigarette in his mouth, said jokingly, "Monk, you're so detached all day long—how boring! Why don't you come with us and experience true happiness?" Amin clasped his hands together and said calmly, "Donor, what you consider happiness is just fleeting sensory stimulation. What I pursue is eternal peace and joy deep within." The young men burst into laughter and began to jostle Amin. Passersby cast strange glances at him. But Amin remained calm, silently reciting scriptures in his heart, using pure thoughts to resist external interference and malicious intent.

In his interactions with these people, Amin deeply felt the complexity of the world and the confusion of all beings. He realized that his pure thoughts should not only protect himself from being polluted, but also have enough power to influence others and help them awaken in this world.

One evening, after a day of preaching, Amin prepared to return to the small temple where he was temporarily staying. On his way back, he passed through a small alley and heard an argument. Amin approached and saw that a small vendor and a customer were engaged in a heated argument over the price of their goods. The vendor, his face flushed, shouted, "I bought these at a very high price. I can't sell them at such a low price!" The customer, unwilling to give in, said, "Your prices are too high! I can get them much cheaper elsewhere." The two refused to give in, and it looked like a fight was imminent.

Ah Ming hurried forward, placing himself between the two men. "Don't be impulsive, my dear donors. In this world, conflicts of interest often blind us and make us lose our minds," Ah Ming advised. The vendor looked at Ah Ming and said, "Monk, stay out of my business. This is between him and me." Ah Ming smiled slightly. "Donor, I know you're trying to make a living, but if we let this little thing ruin our relationship, wouldn't that be worth it?" The customer calmed down a bit. "Master, what do you say?" Ah Ming thought for a moment and said, "Why don't you both make some concessions and find a price that both of you can accept? That way, the problem will be solved without any resentment." With Ah Ming's mediation, the two finally reached an agreement, and the vendor sold the goods to the customer at a slightly lower price.

After returning to the temple, Ah Ming sat quietly before the Buddha statue and began to reflect on the day's experiences. He felt that while his pure thoughts had provided him with a valuable shield against the turmoil of the world, he still needed more wisdom and effort to guide others on the path of spiritual practice. He knew he still had a long way to go on the path of "remaining support."

In the days that followed, Ah Ming devoted even greater effort to cultivating pure thoughts. Every morning, he would sit in meditation for long periods in the temple courtyard, letting his inner pure thoughts grow brighter and brighter like the rising sun. When interacting with other practitioners at the temple, he would share his own experiences in the world, exploring how to better cope with worldly concerns in his practice.

An elderly practitioner said to Amin, "Amin, your experiences in this world are invaluable. But you must remember that pure thoughts are not just a state of mind; they are the result of a profound understanding of the Dharma. We must embody pure thoughts in every action, allowing all beings to witness the power of the Dharma." Amin nodded humbly, "Brother, I understand. I will continue to work hard to make my pure thoughts even purer, like a beacon in this world, illuminating the hearts of more people."

As Ah Ming's pure thoughts grew stronger, he noticed a shift in the aura around him. Those who had once been hostile to him softened their attitudes upon seeing him again. And those who had been helped and inspired by him began to come to the temple seeking further Buddhist guidance. Ah Ming understood that this was the gradual spread of the power of pure thoughts, and he became even more resolute in his resolve to continue on this path of practice, steadily advancing toward the higher realm of "the ground of remaining support," ensuring that the flow of pure thoughts within him would never dry up, maintaining a mind forever pure and peaceful, untainted by the slightest worldly defilement.