Background: In Sāvatthī. At that time, there was a Brahmin named Saṅgārava living in Sāvatthī. He believed in purification through water, thinking that cleanliness could be achieved through water. Therefore, he practiced bathing in the morning and evening.

One morning, the Venerable Ānanda dressed, took his bowl and robe, and entered the city for alms. After finishing his alms round, he came before the Buddha, paid homage, sat to one side, and said to the Buddha:

"Lord, there is a Brahmin named Saṅgārava living in Sāvatthī. He believes in purification through water, thinking that cleanliness can be achieved through water. Therefore, he practices bathing in the morning and evening. Lord, out of compassion, please visit the residence of the Brahmin Saṅgārava."

The Buddha silently agreed.

The next morning, the Buddha dressed, took his bowl and robe, and went to the residence of the Brahmin Saṅgārava. He sat on the prepared seat. Saṅgārava approached the Buddha, exchanged greetings, and sat to one side.

The Buddha said to Saṅgārava:

"Brahmin, I hear that you believe in purification through water, thinking that cleanliness can be achieved through water, and therefore practice bathing in the morning and evening. Is this true?"

Saṅgārava replied, "Yes, Master Gotama."

The Buddha asked further, "Brahmin, why do you do this?"

Saṅgārava explained, "Master Gotama, I wash away the evil deeds done during the day by bathing in the evening, and I wash away the evil deeds done at night by bathing in the morning. This is why I believe in purification through water and practice bathing morning and evening."

After listening, the Buddha responded with a verse:

"Brahmin, the Dharma is like a clear pond,

Morality is like its banks, pure and undefiled,

Praised by the wise.

The knowledgeable sages bathe here,

Reaching the other shore without getting wet."

Having heard this, Saṅgārava said to the Buddha:

"Excellent, Master Gotama! Just as one might set upright what was overturned, reveal what was hidden, show the way to one who was lost, or hold up a lamp in the dark so that those with eyes can see forms, in the same way, Master Gotama has explained the Dharma in various ways. I take refuge in Master Gotama, in the Dharma, and in the Sangha. May Master Gotama accept me as a lay follower from this day forward for as long as life lasts, I have gone for refuge."

This passage demonstrates how the Buddha, through a clever metaphor, guided a Brahmin who believed in external rituals for inner purification to understand that true purity comes from inner cultivation and the practice of the true Dharma.

This text contains profound philosophical thoughts and wisdom. Let's analyze it in depth:

1. External rituals vs. inner cultivation:

Saṅgārava represents a common belief that inner purification can be achieved through external rituals (like bathing). This reflects the human desire for simple, intuitive solutions. However, the Buddha's teaching points out that true purification comes from inner cultivation, not external forms.

2. Misunderstanding of cause and effect:

Saṅgārava believed that evil deeds could be "washed away" by bathing, reflecting a misunderstanding of cause and effect. The Buddha's response implies that the consequences of our actions cannot be simply eliminated by external actions but need to be resolved through inner transformation and practice.

3. The power of metaphor:

The Buddha uses the metaphor "the Dharma is like a clear pond" to skillfully transform Saṅgārava's familiar concept of water into a deeper spiritual practice concept. This teaching method demonstrates the Buddha's wisdom and deep understanding of his audience.

4. Transformation of wisdom:

Saṅgārava's transformation from insisting on external rituals to understanding and accepting the Dharma demonstrates the process of wisdom enlightenment. This transformation is not just an accumulation of knowledge but a fundamental change in thinking and worldview.

5. Universal teaching:

Although this is an ancient Buddhist story, the wisdom it contains is equally applicable to modern people. In today's society, we often seek quick, superficial solutions while neglecting the importance of inner growth and spiritual practice.

Deep reflection:

This story prompts us to reflect on many aspects of our lives. Are we, like Saṅgārava, overly reliant on external "rituals" to solve inner problems? For example, we might think that buying new things can bring lasting happiness, or that merely reading self-help books can change our lives.

The Buddha's teaching reminds us that true change and purification come from within. This requires continuous effort, self-reflection, and practice. Just as evil deeds cannot be washed away by mere bathing, we cannot expect to solve complex inner problems through simple external actions.

At the same time, this story also demonstrates the importance of an open mind. Saṅgārava was willing to listen to and accept new perspectives, an attitude that allowed him to break through fixed thought patterns and gain new wisdom. Maintaining this open and learning attitude is equally important in our lives.

Finally, the Buddha's use of metaphor in teaching also gives us insight: when conveying profound truths, it is crucial to find concepts that the audience can understand and relate to. This applies not only to spiritual teachings but also to communication and education in daily life.

Through this simple yet profound story, we are invited to reflect on our own lifestyles, examine our methods of seeking purification and change, and consider how we can truly achieve inner growth and purification. This reflection and practice are the keys to opening the door of wisdom.