The work of learning
the Way requires greater intimacy
with each passing day, greater intimacy with
each passing hour. Eventually you develop
spontaneous familiarity and
unite with the Way.
The work of learning
the Way requires greater intimacy
with each passing day, greater intimacy with
each passing hour. Eventually you develop
spontaneous familiarity and
unite with the Way.
Yantou said,
“Abandoning things is superior,
pursuing things is inferior.” If your own state
is empty and tranquil, perfectly illuminated and silently
shining, then you will be able to confront whatever circumstances
impinge on you with the indestructible sword of wisdom and cut
everything off — everything from the myriad entangling objects
to the verbal teachings of the past and present. Then your
awesome, chilling spirit cuts off everything, and
everything retreats of itself without having
to be pushed away. Isn’t this what it
means to be well endowed and
have plenty to spare?
…The Ultimate Path is
simple and easy — it is just a matter of
whether you abandon things or pursue them.
Those who would experience the Path
should think deeply
on this.
To study the Way
is to study the self. To study the
self is to forget the self. To forget the
self is to be enlightened
by all things.
The only way
to deal with an unfree world
is to become so absolutely free that
your very existence is an
act of rebellion.
As you develop yourself you
will inevitably be misunderstood by others.
Endure these times patiently, and they will pass.
By staying on the path unswervingly you
meet with great success.
fifth changing line
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 53, Chien / Gradual Progress
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