There is no distance between each other, and thousands of miles are still neighbors.
Yesterday I was wandering around Shimonoseki, and the streets were full of fragrant tea shops. I was going to go to a shop later to pick up some Tuo tea, but when I decided to buy some tea before going back to the hotel, I found that there was no tea shop to be found.
I'm also planning to buy a tambourine as a gift for my cousin and niece in Hangzhou. As a result, in the same situation, I missed the opportunity to buy a tambourine. I also wanted to choose a piece of natural marble handicraft, the texture of the stone is very similar to a landscape painting, and I wanted to give it to my cousin, but again, I missed it.
It's a pity, every time I hesitate and want to buy it later, the opportunity slips away. Next time, I have to get rid of this habit of procrastination, and seize the opportunity as soon as I see it, so as to save these little regrets.
In the Vimala Sutra, it is said that the Vimalaya layman "is dressed in white and practices the pure conduct of the samman", which means that although he is dressed in white, he follows the pure discipline of the samman. His life and behavior are no different from those of a monk, he strictly abides by the precepts, he works day and night, whether he walks, lives, sits or lies, he is practicing, and his virtue and wisdom are very high.
The word "white" depends on where it is spoken. In ancient China, it generally referred to the common people, because at that time the common people wore white clothes, which was much more simple compared to those officials who were dressed with bells and whistles.
In Buddhism, the "white-clothed layman" refers to those who have not become monks, but have the Buddha in their hearts and live according to the rules of the Buddha. They wore normal clothes and their hair was not shaved, but their hearts were as pure as those of the monks.
White, this simple and pure color, represents purity and respect on every occasion. This is reflected in the bride's white wedding dress, the white robe in the church, the white dress at the funeral, the white celebration of the festival, the white team uniform at the sports competition.
In Buddhism, monks wear two special garments: a tie and a robe. The silk robe, in fact, is the kind of dark robe that we Chinese call it, and later became the signature clothing of Han Buddhist monks. It's rich in color, not just dark, but also yellow and orange, all of which represent the pursuit of purity in Buddhism.
The robe, which was introduced from India by Buddhism, is considered the international standard dress for monks and is worn by monks all over the world. It looks like it's been spliced together with lots of tiny pieces of fabric, piece by piece.
The garment is not just a monk's garment, it represents respect for the Dharma and a commitment to the practice. The robe is a symbol of the monk's letting go of the world and pursuing purity of mind.
The former is closer to our Chinese culture, and the latter is the international costume of Buddhism, both of which may be seen in different places.
Shaman, which we often call a monk, is a monk. They chose to leave our fancy world, shave their heads, put on monk's robes, and devote themselves to studying the Dharma and pursuing freedom and sobriety of their minds.
The daily life of the shamen is quite simple, and they have to follow many rules, such as not harming life, not stealing, not doing improper things, not telling lies, etc., all in order to make their actions, words and thoughts pure. They also meditate, chant sutras, and explain the Dharma to improve their wisdom and compassion and help themselves and others to move towards freedom and liberation.
Vimalaya, this Shaman at home, is truly admirable.
Although he lived in a busy world, he was able to maintain a monastic heart, keep the pure precepts, and live the life of a practitioner. No matter how noisy the surrounding environment is, he can always be in a fixed state, like a lotus flower out of the mud without staining.
Vimalaya's philosophy of life teaches us that true spiritual practice is not just manifested in outward clothing, but in inner peace and purity. His experience tells us that no matter what the circumstances, maintaining a serene and pure heart is the essence of spiritual practice.
Make tea, don't pick the ground, put a tea tray at home at will, and simply take a glass during the trip. What matters is the mood. As long as you have the heart, anytime, anywhere, you can brew a cup of fragrant tea.
Cultivation is the same, you don't have to go to the mountains and forests. At home, in the office, on the road, anywhere, the key is to have that spiritual heart. If you have a heart, you can practice anywhere.
Even if you are in a daze while drinking tea, as long as you have a goal in mind, that moment of tranquility can become a good place for your practice.
Follow your heart and chase your dreams in the fragrance of tea.