Everything Has Its Own Power
In the sutras, the Buddha teaches:
- The moon has its own law, its own power.
- The sun has the power of the sun.
- The monk has the power of a monk.
- Women also have the power of women.
At first glance, women may seem fragile, vulnerable, and emotional, but in reality, they possess a profound influence. Ancient people often said “a beautiful woman is the source of disaster”, suggesting that women can be the root of calamities. In classical literature, women have also been likened to a torch that leads one to hell.
However, when discussing the scriptures, I only present what is written in the Buddhist texts, not to belittle or criticize anyone. These teachings are meant to help us reflect on the dangers of craving and desire, not to denounce or judge women.
Warnings in the Scriptures About Desire
In one passage from the sutras, the Buddha teaches:
- It is better to sit and talk to a person with a weapon than to be too close to a woman.
- It is better to face demons and ghosts than to be too close to a woman.
- It is better to sit next to a poisonous snake, for if bitten, one will only die once.
- But being too close to a woman is dangerous, as craving and desire are powerful temptations.
This teaching does not intend to disparage women, but rather emphasizes the danger of desire. When one lacks the wisdom to control oneself, allowing craving to take control, it becomes easy to fall into a path of degradation and suffering.
Desire – The Greatest Obstacle on the Path to Liberation
The scriptures also teach:
- Anyone who truly understands craving and desire will no longer be afraid.
- Those who have conquered desire have overcome suffering and moved towards the shores of liberation.
- Those who have eradicated defilements and attachments have attained true peace.
In another passage, the sutras even state: “Women are the impurity of asceticism.”
But a teacher once told me: “Though they are the impurity of asceticism, they are often also a good friend to the monk.”
Why is that?
Because in reality, if there were no women, who would sustain the monastics?
Monastics do not engage in commerce or take care of their material needs, but live on the offerings of laypeople, most of whom are women.
However, it is this very closeness that often gives rise to gossip and slander, causing many practitioners to face difficult challenges. Many monks, once gaining a bit of fame, find that slander and criticism quickly follow.
Caution Against Temptation
What is the lesson to be learned from these teachings?
- What needs to be avoided should be avoided from a distance.
- It is better to prevent than to treat, avoid the consequences before they happen.
- Among the five types of desires, sexual desire is considered the most dangerous.
Even in relationships as close as mother and child, if they are too intimate over an extended period without mindfulness, it can lead to improper conduct.
Conclusion
The Buddha’s teachings are not meant to exclude or disparage women, but to warn about the power of desire. Anyone who wishes to walk the path of liberation, whether a practitioner or anyone on the spiritual journey, must understand the dangers of desire and avoid temptations that can lead to degradation.
Desire is the greatest fire, the primary disaster, the most dangerous obstacle on the path of practice. Understanding this and taking precautions is the way to protect oneself and stay steadfast on the path to liberation.
This article is compiled based on a sermon by Venerable Toại Khanh
