Deep Commentary

Why does drinking the water of the Right Dharma bring peace and tranquility to the mind? The phrase 'drinking water' vividly describes the state of someone experiencing intense thirst. Imagine a farmer working under a scorching sun; his throat is parched, and he craves a drink of cool water. At that moment of extreme thirst, nothing is more valuable than water. He could go without food for days, but he cannot survive without water. Gold, silver, and jewels mean nothing to him then. Water is his ultimate need. If someone brings him a cup of water, he accepts it with immense joy and gratitude. Similarly, anyone who has been stranded at sea without fresh water understands that no amount of wealth can replace a single drop of life-saving water. The Dharma of the Buddha is just like that water; its absolute value is realized most deeply by those who are thirsting for liberation from the suffering of samsara. For those who do not feel this spiritual thirst, the Dharma is often overlooked, much like water is taken for granted by someone who isn't thirsty. The image of the exhausted farmer and the desperate traveler represents human beings caught in the cycle of birth and death, yearning for a way out. Only those who earnestly desire to escape the miseries of the three realms will eagerly seek out the Dharma to drink it in. They receive the teachings with sincerity, and as a result, they quickly achieve a peaceful and pure mind. On the other hand, individuals without a deep connection to the Dharma may ignore it even when it is readily available. The wise recognize the inherent suffering of existence and seek a path to freedom. When they encounter the Buddha's teachings, they listen with profound respect and delight. The Dharma is like amrita—the nectar of compassion—which soothes aching hearts and brings refreshment to the soul. Encountering the Dharma and neglecting to study or listen to wise teachers is a profound loss. As practitioners, whether lay or monastic, we must continuously strive to study the teachings and apply them to our daily lives. True liberation comes from our own effort to untie the knots that bind us.