This quote emphasizes the notion of personal responsibility and self-determination, particularly in regards to moral or spiritual purity. The essence of the message is that purity or impurity, essentially our moral state, is a result of our own actions, thoughts and decisions. No one else can cleanse us of our wrongdoings or make us pure; it’s something we have to strive for ourselves.
The concept of purity in this context doesn’t necessarily refer to physical cleanliness but rather a state free from immorality or wrongdoing. Impurity on the other hand refers to being tainted by immoral acts or thoughts. Hence, according to Buddha’s wisdom here, no external force can impose morality on an individual nor absolve them from their immoral deeds; it must come from within.
Applying this idea in today’s world could take many forms. In terms of personal development, this could be interpreted as taking ownership for one’s actions and growth. It suggests that real change comes from within oneself – you cannot rely on others to improve your character or behavior but must actively work towards bettering yourself.
In a broader societal context, this quote might be seen as a commentary on systems which try to externally enforce morality through laws and punishments rather than fostering an environment where individuals are encouraged and empowered to cultivate their own internal sense of right and wrong.
In essence, we are solely responsible for purifying ourselves by cultivating positive qualities such as compassion, patience and generosity while eliminating negative emotions like anger, greediness etc., because no one else has the power over our internal state except us.
