Why Are All Phenomena Neither Impure Nor Pure? The Secret Behind Concepts of Nobility and Lowliness

Have you ever wondered why something you find dirty might be a delicacy for another being? If nothing is truly dirty and nothing is truly clean, how would our world look? Today, let us listen to Venerable Thich Chan Quang explain the phrase "neither impure nor pure" from the Heart Sutra. It seems simple, yet it holds profound insights into blessings from merit and the mindset of a practitioner.

The concepts of dirty and clean are only relative.

The sutra states that all phenomena are neither impure nor pure. At first glance, this sounds strange. However, the teacher explains that these concepts are not absolute; they depend on the perceiving subject. He says, "In truth, the concepts of dirty and clean vary according to the level of sentient beings, their spiritual capacity, and their power of merit. They are not universal standards shared by everyone."

For example, fertilizer, which we consider dirty, is a specialty for dogs. A starving person may find leftover food from a sick person delicious. So, where does the distinction come from? It arises from the mind and the power of merit of each species. When merit runs out, what seems filthy to us becomes precious to hungry ghosts. Clinging to these distinctions creates much suffering and afflictions in life.

Dirty and clean reflect blessings from merit and social status.

More specifically, the teacher points out that in the context of Prajna wisdom, "neither impure nor pure" refers not just to physical cleanliness, but also to human concepts of nobility and lowliness. He explains, "The concepts of dirty and clean in all phenomena are linked to the concepts of noble and lowly. Why? Because the more noble one is, the cleaner they appear, and the more lowly one is, the dirtier they seem."

We often judge people’s status by their clothes, homes, or even their bathrooms. Those with great blessings live in cleanliness, while those lacking merit must accept dirty environments due to a lack of choice. Thus, discriminating between dirty and clean is essentially discriminating between noble and lowly.

Why are all phenomena neither noble nor lowly?

Yet, Prajna teaches that phenomena are neither impure nor pure, meaning they are neither noble nor lowly. As the mind of the path grows, we stop viewing people through status or wealth, focusing instead on their spiritual cultivation. The teacher notes, "Those who understand the Dharma reduce such discrimination... We pay attention to the mind of the path. When approaching the Dharma, nobility and lowliness cease to matter; only the heart of the path remains."

This is a significant lesson. In daily interactions, instead of treating the rich and poor differently, we should observe whether they possess a heart for the Dharma. We should cherish a poor person who has many conditions for spiritual practice. Conversely, we should not flatter a wealthy person who lacks kindness or the habit of making offerings. The bodhisattva path is about transcending all discrimination.

Practical application in daily life.

How do we apply this? When encountering situations deemed dirty or clean, remember they are relative. Do not shun someone who appears poor or unclean; look at the breadth of their heart. If you must live in an environment lacking cleanliness, keep your mind from sinking into despair.

The path of practice is not about escaping dirtiness, nor is it about negligence. As the teacher advises, if you wish to become a bodhisattva, first take a bath—meaning maintain purity of body and mind—but simultaneously rise above concepts of nobility and lowliness to extend compassion to all. Begin practicing today: let go of discrimination, see others through the lens of the Dharma, and cultivate cleanliness in both soul and body.