Magnetic Field Effect

One who stays near vermilion gets stained red; one who stays near ink gets stained black. Influence occurs imperceptibly: first it stains the fur, then the skin, then the flesh, then the sinews, then the bones, and finally the marrow. Once it reaches the marrow, it becomes deeply ingrained and cannot be eradicated. This is true for both red and black stains. Therefore, the surrounding magnetic field is extremely important, and the people one associates with are paramount. Do not claim that your resistance is strong and thus neglect virtuous friends. Unaffected influence occurs above the eighth bhūmi, and absolute freedom from influence is attained only at Buddhahood. Those who return bearing the obscuration of rebirth may still experience subtle defilements during their deluded phase. Although the consciousness may be stained and easily purified, such influence still holds power.

Why does a group develop a common atmosphere? Why does a family develop shared habitual tendencies? It arises from contagion—unconsciously forming habits, then unconsciously allowing these habits to penetrate the marrow. Once entrenched, they manifest across lifetimes. This applies to both wholesome and unwholesome tendencies. May we all be influenced within virtuous communities, staying near the "vermilion" to thrive. Avoid being influenced by groups with strong afflictive habitual tendencies; live distanced from the "ink." Thus, the accumulation of merit will occur swiftly, and the transformation of one’s own magnetic field will accelerate.