심층 주해

This verse was taught by the Buddha at Truc Lam Monastery, concerning a monk who had been a silent mime actor before ordination. According to the story, the content is similar to the previously summarized tale, with the distinction highlighted in the Buddha's words: “Monks, he has abandoned both liking and disliking.” Likes and dislikes are opposing forces that often disturb the mind. The inclination to favor or reject is a distortion that agitates consciousness. Desire and aversion drive passion and satisfy craving, subtly luring one toward suffering without awareness. People favor objects only because they align with their personal inclinations—this is a form of greed, arising from deluded discernment. Every preference originates from an initial habit, which, if repeated, accumulates as karmic force. Mature preferences gain power to compel actions according to their influence. Relatively speaking, preferences have two faces: benefit and harm. Beneficial habits, such as reciting sutras, chanting, or giving charity, support oneself and others. Healthy recreational habits like exercise, walking, or swimming improve well-being. Cultivating these good habits brings joy and vitality. Conversely, harmful habits, like gambling, substance abuse, or drunkenness, damage life. One seeking a virtuous, happy life should avoid these detrimental behaviors. This builds a secure, joyful, and peaceful life for oneself and family. This is the relative, worldly perspective. From the absolute or ultimate truth standpoint, the Buddha teaches transcending these opposing categories. One must abandon both the pleasant and unpleasant. Only through such renunciation can the mind be purified, undisturbed by dualities. Thus one becomes truly courageous and liberated, untroubled by defilements and suffering, achieving complete human freedom.