The Larger Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra: Revealing the True Nature of Purity and Impurity
People often prefer things that are clean and try to avoid things that are dirty.
However, the Buddhist scripture The Larger Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra teaches that this distinction arises from mental attachment, not from the things themselves.
Key Message from the Larger Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra
“The nature of things is neither pure nor impure.
It is our attachment that makes us approach what we see as clean and avoid what we see as dirty.”
This profound teaching reveals that what we perceive as good or bad, clean or unclean, is not inherent in objects but is a reflection of our own judgments and mental labels.
All Beings Are Pure by Nature
In Buddhism, our original mind is called “pure mind” (清淨心, śuddhacitta).
This mind is free from dualities such as good or bad, clean or dirty.
But the moment we start labeling the world—“This is good,” “That is bad”—discrimination and attachment arise.
Letting Go of Mental Biases
The notions of "purity" and "impurity" are expedient means (upāya)—tools to guide us, not absolute truths.
When we cling to them, suffering begins.
The Larger Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra gently reminds us:
“See things as they truly are. When your mind is pure, the world appears pure.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Larger Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra?
A: It is one of the major Mahāyāna Buddhist scriptures that belong to the Prajñāpāramitā (Perfection of Wisdom) collection. It emphasizes the wisdom of seeing beyond surface appearances to grasp the true nature of reality.
Q: How can I apply this teaching in daily life?
A: Practice observing without judgment. Instead of labeling things as good or bad, try to accept them as they are. This is the beginning of true mental clarity.
All Distinctions Begin in the Mind
The ideas of “dirty” and “clean” do not exist outside of us. They are mental constructs shaped by our preferences and attachments.
The Larger Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra encourages us to let go of our biases and see the world as it truly is—with compassion and wisdom.
