In the realm of Buddhist philosophy, the imagery of Mount Sumeru and the mustard seed serves as a profound metaphor for understanding the nature of reality and perception. Originally a mountain in Indian mythology, Mount Sumeru is revered in Buddhism as the dwelling place of celestial beings like Indra and the Four Heavenly Kings. Standing at an astonishing height of 84,000 yojanas, it symbolizes the vastness and grandeur of existence. In contrast, the mustard seed, a tiny grain often used in culinary practices, represents the minuscule aspects of life.
This juxtaposition is beautifully illustrated in a dialogue between Li Bo, a governor of Jiangzhou during the Tang Dynasty, and the Zen master Zhi Chang. Li Bo questioned the seemingly paradoxical notion found in Buddhist texts that “Mount Sumeru can fit within a mustard seed, and a mustard seed can contain Mount Sumeru.” He found it hard to believe that such a small seed could encompass such a towering mountain.
With a smile, Zhi Chang responded by asking, “People say you have read thousands of books; is that true?” Proudly, Li Bo affirmed, “Of course! I have read far more than that!”
Zhi Chang then inquired, “And where are those thousands of books now?”
Li Bo pointed to his head and replied, “They are all right here!”
Zhi Chang chuckled and said, “Strange, then. Your head seems no bigger than a coconut; how could it possibly hold thousands of books?”
At that moment, Li Bo experienced a profound realization: the distinctions of large and small are mere constructs of the mind. In reality, size is subjective and arises from our perceptions.
This concept resonates deeply with modern science, which demonstrates that vast amounts of knowledge can be stored within a minuscule chip, echoing the Buddhist teaching that the universe can be contained within the smallest of objects.
The English poet William Blake expressed a similar sentiment in his famous lines:
“To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.”
His words capture the essence of this Buddhist teaching: within the tiniest elements of our world lies the vastness of the infinite.
Ultimately, Buddhist wisdom encourages us to transcend conventional notions of size and reality. When we embrace the idea that the vast can reside within the minute, we cultivate a deeper awareness of the interconnectedness of all things. In this way, Mount Sumeru and the mustard seed serve as powerful reminders of the boundless nature of existence and the limitless potential of the human mind.
In the Āgama Sūtra, there is a remarkable story that illustrates how the merit of a single grain of rice can be as vast as Mount Sumeru.
During the time of the Buddha, a poor couple lived in a crumbling cave with nothing to their name. They were so impoverished that they owned only a single set of clothes, which they had to share. When the husband went out, the wife had to stay home, and when the wife needed to leave, the husband had no choice but to remain inside, barely clothed.
One day, they heard that the Buddha and his disciples were passing through their village on their alms rounds. The couple reflected on their misfortune and said, “We have never practiced generosity, which is why we suffer such poverty today. Now that the Buddha is here, how can we miss this rare opportunity to give?”
However, as they looked around their home, the wife sighed deeply, “But we have nothing to offer…”
The husband, after thinking for a moment, made a firm decision: “No matter what, we must not let this opportunity slip away. Even if we starve, we must make an offering! The only thing we still have of value is this set of clothing—let us give it to the Buddha!”
With hearts full of joy, they humbly presented their only garment as an offering. The disciples, however, hesitated, feeling uneasy about receiving such an item. They passed the garment among themselves, reluctant to accept it, until Ananda finally brought it before the Buddha and asked, “Lord, this garment is too worn to be used. Should we discard it?”
The Buddha, filled with compassion, gently instructed, “My disciples, do not think this way. The generosity of the poor is the most precious of all. Bring the garment to me.”
Feeling ashamed for their earlier hesitation, Ananda and Maudgalyayana took the garment to the river to wash it. But as soon as they immersed it in the water, the entire river surged wildly, waves crashing in all directions. Alarmed, Maudgalyayana used his divine powers to summon Mount Sumeru in an attempt to subdue the turbulent waters. Yet, no matter how he pressed it down, the waves remained uncontrollable.
Helpless, the two disciples rushed back to the Buddha to report what had happened. At that moment, the Buddha was calmly eating his meal. Without saying much, he gently picked up a single grain of rice and handed it to them, saying, “Take this rice grain to the river, and it will settle.”
Perplexed, Ananda asked, “Lord, even the mighty Mount Sumeru couldn’t calm the waves—how can a tiny grain of rice possibly do so?”
The Buddha smiled and said, “Try it and see.”
Still doubtful but obedient, Ananda and Maudgalyayana took the grain of rice and cast it into the river. Miraculously, the raging waters instantly calmed, becoming as still as a mirror.
Shocked by what they had witnessed, the two disciples returned to the Buddha and asked, “How could a single grain of rice hold more power than a mountain?”
The Buddha then explained, “From the moment a grain of rice is planted, it undergoes countless efforts—watering, fertilizing, harvesting, processing, and selling—each step carrying the labor and dedication of many beings. Because of this, a single grain of rice contains immeasurable merit. Likewise, the garment offered by the poor couple was their only possession, their entire livelihood. Their act of giving was boundless in sincerity, making its merit just as vast. The Dragon Kings of the ocean understood the profound virtue behind this offering, which is why they immediately retreated in reverence. This is the power of true devotion—whether a grain of rice or a simple piece of clothing, when given with absolute sincerity, its merit can equal that of Mount Sumeru.”
From this teaching, a well-known Buddhist verse arose to remind monks and practitioners of the sacred nature of even the smallest offering:
“A single grain of rice in the Buddha’s gate,
As vast as Mount Sumeru.
If enlightenment is not attained in this life,
One shall return repaying the debt, bearing horns and fur.”
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that every offering—no matter how small—carries immense significance when given with a pure heart. It also warns practitioners to cherish and respect all acts of generosity, for every grain of rice represents the kindness and labor of countless beings.
Peace LiLy 