The Sweet Trap of Money

A quiet afternoon settled over a small house by the road. The incessant buzz of cicadas in the garden mingled with the faint aroma of lotus tea drifting from a porcelain pot on the table. Mr. Tu was leisurely enjoying a piece of crunchy peanut candy, his eyes half-closed in rare peace amidst life’s bustle. Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded at the gate, followed by a rapid knock on the door.

"Hello! We are from the district police. Please come out to speak with us!" A firm voice called from behind the door.

Mr. Tu’s heart tightened. A chill ran down his spine. He did not recall doing anything wrong lately, but the natural human reflex upon hearing the word "police" is always a startle. He stood up, his legs slightly trembling, and walked to open the door. Before him stood two young police officers, their faces serious but not hostile.

Mr. Tu took a deep breath, striving to remain calm. He invited them inside, poured tea, and offered candy. The tense atmosphere gradually softened as he realized the visit was not an arrest, but merely to verify a matter concerning a neighbor.

"My dear sirs," Mr. Tu said with a smile, his voice becoming relaxed, "If I have done nothing wrong, then your coming to ask is simply your duty. I am happy to cooperate. Please drink your tea, have some candy to cool down."

Mr. Tu’s peace of mind came from a solid foundation: he knew he was innocent. Conversely, if he had secretly committed some shady deed the night before, at this very moment, even if he pretended to be perfectly composed, sweat would bead on his forehead, his heart would race erratically, and his every gesture would betray his panic. That anxiety does not come from the outside, but from an inner conscience tormented by guilt.

This small story leads us to a great truth in our practice: The mind truly finds joy and peace only when we refrain from wrongdoing. Upholding moral discipline and staying away from evil is not easy. Circumstances, material temptations, or the lure of bad friends can push us into the abyss at any time. Only with an iron will and the protection of the Triple Gem can we find the strength to reject these poisonous "sweet baits."

When we live with integrity, we need not fear anyone or any force. We can walk with our heads held high, meeting every challenge with confidence and tranquility. This is true happiness, transcending all fleeting wealth or fame.

The Meaning of the Story

The root of anxiety lies in past or present mistakes and transgressions. A person who maintains discipline and lives purely will have a calm inner mind, free from fear of the law or public opinion. Conversely, a person who commits wrongdoing will always live in a state of confusion and fear, no matter how skillfully they try to hide it. The lesson is: to have a joyful and peaceful mind, the prerequisite is to strive to avoid doing wrong, relying on one’s willpower and the blessings from the Buddha's teachings to overcome temptation.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang