The 37th Step: Freedom from Subtle Defilements
"Defilements are like litters that have gross and subtle forms. The gross litter can be picked up while the subtle one is more difficult to detect" (A manual of peace 411).
Fine dust is like a subtle form of litter which cannot be seen with the naked eye unless it clings to something clean like a mirror, making it dull and only then can we see it. But if it is only a small quantity of fine dust on the mirror, we will barely notice it.
mind of subtle defilements is a mind that is penetrated and infiltrated by impurities or pollutants making it lose its radiance and efficiency in thinking, as in the case of a mind that thinks slowly and negatively.
The mind which is free from subtle defilements is indeed free from all defilements, whether they are
