Bá tòng is the Chinese banyan and pine trees, often planted as ornamental plants. Bá tòng is cherished by people because it remains verdantly green throughout all four seasons, especially in winter when all other trees wither, yet it alone stands upright. Therefore, the book Ích Trí compares a gentleman to bá tòng with the phrase:
“White jade buried in mud does not stain its color,
A gentleman in a sordid place cannot have his mind corrupted.
Hence, bá tòng can endure snow and frost, and the enlightened can overcome dangerous circumstances.”
(White jade buried in mud does not stain its color; a gentleman in a sordid place does not let his mind be corrupted.
Thus bá tòng can withstand snow and frost, and an enlightened person can rise above dangerous situations.)
Because of the unwavering characteristic of bá tòng, Đức Thầy used it to liken a person in spiritual practice to it, since a truly practicing person, at any time and anywhere, keeps their heart pure and righteous.
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