A Mind Clear by Nature, Only Dusted for a While
The mind is pure by nature, yet appears defiled — defiled only by passing, guest-like dust of affliction.
Which of my faces is the true ground, and which is dust settled for a while?
📝Reflection
This verse stands at the fork of two ways of seeing a human being. One: "people are evil by nature." The other: "people are pure by nature, only dusted over." This sutra chooses the latter. The ground of the mind is clear. Hatred, greed, fear — these are guest-like dust settled briefly on that clear ground. I believe this way of seeing saves people. When we see someone's fault and conclude "that person is just like that," we cage them forever. But to see it as "not that person's true ground, only dust settled for a while" leaves room for wiping. The same holds for myself. Do not conclude that today's ugly self is my essence. It is dust that will lift when wiped. I was clear by nature, and I can be clear again.
🌱Apply It Today
When you are disappointed by your own or another's ugly side today, see it as "not the true ground, but dust settled for a while." If it is dust, not essence, it can be wiped away.
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
