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Bringing the Innocent Child Along
The seed of the prodigal child—sadness and self-pity—is present in each person, often transmitted through many generations. When that seed arises, the thought of wanting to leave home, leave the country, leave the sangha, or leave the community is very normal and should not be blamed. I have gone through such periods many times, including times when I wanted to leave the country forever because of jealousy and opposition, but thanks to the love of my root teacher and the practice, the seed of self-pity was gradually transformed.
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The short story of the blind young woman and the young scholar is based on the following images:
- open the book to page 12
- take three breaths (in – out – in – out – in – out)
- two pearls appear under the pillow
- rub the two pearls on the eyes to restore sight
- the miracle only happens when the young woman cannot see the young scholar
- each time she meets him, the two pearls are lost again
- the young scholar must go into exile to preserve the young woman’s sight
The 1964 poem titled Humbly Bowing to Return fully depicts the state of the naive young man:
- two hands symbolize love, heart, mind, and life
- many times have shed blood on the scale of love
- wish to return them and pray they are not crushed
- love that does not calculate, falling on wild grass graves as well as on burning roses
- the old wound is not yet healed but still returns like a gentle surrender
I emphasize that the practice and care of the “prodigal child seeds” in each person is the key to preserving happiness and brotherhood, regardless of any difficulties, jealousy, or opposition around us.
Establishing the Three Channels of Communication