Buddhist Story: Clothes and Food. One Tripitaka monk encountered a grand vegetarian feast being held in a temple one day. The gatekeeper refused to let him in due to his ragged attire. So, he borrowed fine clothes from someone else and was then allowed in. After sitting down, people offered him various delicious foods, but he poured them all onto his clothes. The crowd asked the monk, "Why are you doing this?" The Tripitaka monk replied, "I've come several times before, but I was never allowed in. Only after changing into these new clothes could I enter. It's because of these clothes that I'm receiving everyone's delicious offerings, so let them eat first!" Wisdom Nugget: When we easily believe in appearances, we often overlook the true essence within. Unaware of our own self-deception, we blame others for deceiving us when we finally realize it.
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