茉莉茘枝

拈華微笑 I may not fully grasp the truth that Mahākāśyapa realized, but I still wish to emulate his smile. This is a story from the time when Shakyamuni Buddha delivered a sermon on Vulture Peak. It is said that Shakyamuni, without saying a word, picked up a lotus flower and gently showed it to the assembly. While the disciples could not grasp his meaning, only Mahākāśyapa understood Shakyamuni's intention and smiled gently. Mahākāśyapa adhered to strict precepts regarding clothing, food, and shelter, leading a simple life. Specifically, he wore coarse robes, ate only food received through begging, and practiced asceticism, wandering without a fixed abode. Though I cannot live like Mahākāśyapa, I have decided to grow vegetables instead, in place of his gentle smile and simple way of life.