What You Place in the Mind Creates Its Fragrance
The Mangala Sutta, the Discourse on Blessings, says that not associating with the foolish, associating with the wise, and honoring those worthy of honor are great blessings. This is because the people we form connections with and the things we keep close change the direction of the mind.
Good connections bring good results and happiness, while unwise connections can darken the mind. So when beginning the day, it is important to look at what kind of people, what kind of words, and what kind of thoughts we keep close to the mind.
A bottle or jar is named according to what it holds. If it holds water, it becomes a water bottle; if it holds medicine, it becomes a medicine bottle; if it holds honey, it becomes a honey jar. On the other hand, if it holds trash, it becomes a trash can.
Our mind is the same. If we hold compassion and wisdom, gratitude and hope, a good fragrance and good energy arise from the mind. That mind gives dignity and happiness to us, and also shares warm strength with the people beside us.
Today, notice the mind carefully. Look at what you are holding in your mind now, and may this be a day when you choose good connections and a wise mind instead of harmful thoughts.
The Mangala Sutta sees it as a great blessing not to associate with the foolish and to associate with the wise. Just as a bottle becomes a water bottle, medicine bottle, honey jar, or trash can according to what it holds, the mind gives off a different fragrance according to what it holds. Today, place compassion and wisdom, gratitude and hope in the mind, and share happiness and dignity with yourself and others.
