Purifying Mind and Heart: The Sāmaññaphala Sutta and Austin Farrer’s Glass of Vision

abstract: The content of this paper hinges on two comparisons relating to clarity of vision and using the metaphor of a clear pool of water. A discussion of how this is developed in the very different contexts of an early Buddhist sutta and a series of lectures given in Oxford in 1948 forms the main body of the text. As its title suggests, in the Sāmaññaphala Sutta the theme is a full outline of the fruits of the homeless life to be gained by committing totally to the lifestyle of a wandering mendicant Buddhist monk. The stages of development of the bhikkhu as he gains proficiency in learning and living the Dhamma are outlined. King Ajātasattu, whose question had prompted the address, was delighted and immediately wished to go for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. The Glass of Vision explores how divine truth manifests in the human mind. Via a discussion of facets of the natural and supernatural, Farrer introduces the opening of the finite to the infinite. “Supernatural” (a term that has largely fallen out of use in theology today) relates to the agency, mystery, and self-revelation of God. Farrer goes on to consider various aspects of image: the role it plays in the ministry of Christ; in the apostolic mind and mission; in the changing world of metaphysical thinking; and later on in the lecture series, in poetry. In conclusion, the two uses of the central metaphor are drawn together, and there is a short reflection on a common element.