As a bee gathers honey from the flower without injuring its color or fragrance, even so the sage goes on his alms-round in the village.
As a bee gathers honey from the flower without injuring its colour or fragrance, even so the sage goes on his almsround in the village.

Deep Commentary

This teaching applies especially to monastics and serious practitioners. Just as a bee extracts nectar without damaging the beauty or scent of the flower, a practitioner should interact with the world and gather what is necessary for survival without causing harm or becoming entangled in worldly affairs. Ancient Buddhist texts constantly remind practitioners to focus entirely on their own spiritual conduct rather than judging or interfering with others. By living simply—content with minimal food, clothing, and shelter—practitioners protect their peace of mind and preserve the faith of those who support them, avoiding bringing any burden or negativity into the world.

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