Author Archives → Brian

complete and perfect of itself

a solitary tune by a fisherman

 

Some people,

not knowing the essential emptiness

of good and evil, think practical cultivation of mind

means to sit rigidly immobile, subduing mind

and body, like a rock placed on

top of grass.

 

This is ludicrous.

That is why it is said that followers

cut off confusion in every state of mind,

yet the mind that does the cutting

off is a brigand.

 

…People who practice

the Way should not seek externally.

The essence of mind has no defilement; it is originally

complete and perfect of itself. Just detach from

illusory objects, and it is enlightened

to suchness as is.

 

Chinul

tracing back the radiance

 

a moment of great influence

for nature, from nature

 

A moment of

great influence is at hand.

Prepare wisely and act

accordingly.

 
The image of the hexagram Fêng is that of thunder and lightning filling the sky. It signifies a period of tremendous power which, like all such moments, only lasts for a time. Here we are instructed how to know when the moment is ripe, and what to do when it is not.

Our influence in the world naturally ebbs and flows. At one moment others are full of mistrust, and forward movement is impossible. In the next, by steadfastly clinging to what is true and good, we reawaken their receptivity and growth can take place. Only by carefully observing these cycles—the openings and closings of others to our influence—can we achieve greatness.

To do this, we must cultivate an attitude of independent watchfulness. In this state of quiet observation we open our hearts to the aid of the Sage, who in turn opens our eyes to what is possible and what is not. This clarity enables us to move with strength and grace when the time is right, and in this we achieve abundance.

Fêng also advises us that influence cannot last forever; as the sun rises, so it must set. When receptivity gives way to mistrust and our influence begins to wane, we ought not struggle to fortify or prolong it. Modesty and detachment require that we accept the turning of the tide. By letting go of the passing moment and entering the next with a correct and balanced attitude, we save ourselves for a more beneficial time.

 

The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 55, Feng / Abundance

 

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if you can penetrate “i don’t know”

where does your mind come from?

 

Emperor Wu

of Liang asked Bodhidharma,

“I have built temples and had monks

ordained without number: what merit is there

in this?” Bodhidharma said, “There is no merit.”

The emperor said, “Why no merit?” Bodhidharma

said, “These are just the lesser fruits of gods

and men, causes of defilement: like

shadows following shapes,

though they’re there,

they’re not

real.”

 

The Emperor

said, “What is true merit?”

Bodhidharma answered, “The subtle

perfection of pure wisdom, its essence naturally

empty and still. Such merit is not to be sought with worldly

means.” Only then did the Emperor ask, “What is the

highest meaning of the holy truths?” Bodhidharma

answered, “Empty, without holiness.”

The Emperor said, “Who is facing

me?” Bodhidharma replied,

“I don’t know.”

 

The Emperor

did not understand, so

Bodhidharma crossed the river

into Wei. If you want to see real merit

right now, don’t look for it anywhere else,

just comprehend it in “I don’t know”.

If you can penetrate those three

words, the task of your whole

life’s study will be

completed.

 

Dahui Zonggao

more dahui

 

follow tao without straying

stay stoked

 

In

governing people

and serving heaven, there

is nothing better than moderation. 

To be moderate is to follow Tao without straying. 

To follow Tao without straying is to become filled with

good energy. To be filled with good energy is to

overcome all things. To overcome all things

is to know that all things are possible. 

She who knows that all things are

possible is fit to govern

people. 

 

Because

she is one with the mother, 

her roots go deep, her foundation

stands firm, her life lasts

long, her vision

endures.

 

The Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu,

Chapter 59

 

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surrender the matter to the sage

julien de casablanca

 

There is an obstacle

to the expression of truth.

Withdrawal into quietness

allows the Sage to

moderate.

 
Unity has been broken by one who is not being true to proper principles. This may be another, or an element in one’s own personality, or both. In any case, serious misfortune may result if the appropriate response is not made. The I Ching is very clear about what our proper action is when confronted with an obstacle of this nature: withdrawal into contemplation and a turning over of the matter to the Higher Power for resolution.

This is a time when aggressive action or intervention can only compound the misfortune. Use your strength to clearly separate yourself from incorrectness and realign yourself with the Sage. It is always our responsibility to acknowledge where something has gone wrong, but never our right to punish. The administration of justice is the sole province of the Deity.

The I Ching teaches us to forgive but not to forget. This does not mean one who reveals himself as inferior today should be regarded as such tomorrow. It means that we are wise to pay conscientious attention to the waxing and waning of truth in oneself and others. When truth predominates, we can progress. When it is eclipsed, we are obligated to withdraw and surrender the matter to the Sage.
 

The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 21, Shih Ho / Biting Through

 

ebooks & apps of the Tao the Ching, I Ching,

Wei wu Wei Ching, Hua hu Ching, and

Art of War for iPad/Phone, Kindle,

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You

can now buy

the I Ching as part of a

five-app bundle of Taoist classics 

for iPhone or iPad for less than

the cost of one hardcover

book.

brian browne walker taoist app bundle ios ipad iphone