When you stop your
compulsive mind, to reach the point
where not a single thing is born, you pass
through to freedom, no longer falling
into feelings and not dwelling
on concepts, transcending
all completely.
Then Zen is obvious everywhere
in the world, with the totality of everything everywhere
turning into its great function. Everything comes from your
own heart. This is what one ancient called bringing
out the family treasure.
If anyone asks you
how the perfect satisfaction
of all our sexual wanting
will look, lift your face
and say,
Like this.
When someone mentions the gracefulness
of the nightsky, climb up on the roof
and dance and say,
Like this.
If anyone wants to know what “spirit” is,
or what “God’s fragrance” means,
lean your head toward him or her.
Keep your face there close.
Like this.
When someone quotes the old poetic image
about clouds gradually uncovering the moon,
slowly loosen knot by knot the strings
of your robe.
Like this.
If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead,
don’t try to explain the miracle.
Kiss me on the lips.
Like this. Like this.
When someone asks what it means
to “die for love,” point
here.
If someone asks how tall I am, frown
and measure with your fingers the space
between the creases on your forehead.
This tall.
The soul sometimes leaves the body, the returns.
When someone doesn’t believe that,
walk back into my house.
Like this.
When lovers moan,
they’re telling our story.
Like this.
I am a sky where spirits live.
Stare into this deepening blue,
while the breeze says a secret.
Like this.
When someone asks what there is to do,
light the candle in his hand.
Like this.
How did Joseph’s scent come to Jacob?
Huuuuu.
How did Jacob’s sight return?
Huuuu.
A little wind cleans the eyes.
Like this.
When Shams comes back from Tabriz,
he’ll put just his head around the edge
of the door to surprise us.
Like this.
And did
you feel it, in your heart,
how it pertained to everything?
And have you too finally figured out
what beauty is for? And have
you changed your
life?
September 10, 1935 – January 17, 2019
they see the divine in all forms
Man’s attitude is the secret of life,
for it is upon man’s attitude that success and failure
depend. Both man’s rise and fall depend upon his attitude.
By attitude I mean that impulse which is like
a battery behind the mechanism
of thought.
There is hidden in our heart a
wonderful power. It is a divine power,
a sacred power, and it can be developed
and cherished by keeping our
attitude right.
to know the right attitude from the wrong
🪷
This world is
a place of preparation where
one is given many lessons and passes
many tests. Choose less over more in it.
Be satisfied with what you have, even
if it is less than what others
have. In fact, prefer to
have less.
This world is
not bad — on the contrary,
it is the field of the hereafter.
What you plant here, you will reap
there. This world is the way to
eternal bliss and so is good —
worthy to be cherished
and to be praised.
whatever way love’s camels take
In the face of
rising tension, keep still.
Honor in practice what you have
learned from the
I Ching.
A difficult and challenging time must be taken as an opportunity to express in the outer world our highest inner principles. This hexagram counsels us to keep still under pressure and embody the virtues of the I Ching. In this way even the most arduous trials can be successfully met.
Others are often tempted to test the inner strength that we have gained through study and discipline. By pushing and prodding they hope to reveal the weakness of our connection to truth. If we allow them to do this, we are undermined, and they go on, unlearning and satisfied at having engineered our downfall. On the other hand, if we keep still and cling firmly to what is right—the power of the great—then eventually we can tame the negative energy and instill in others the desire to grow spiritually.
It is just such challenges to our strength and character that enable us over time to embody in practice the strength of the I Ching. A spiritual understanding that is not practiced under fire is without value; only by applying our knowledge in trying situations do we come into genuine possession of it. So use these tests as opportunities to purify your thoughts and actions. By holding to what is correct in the face of pressure, you gain the strength and peace of mind of the spiritual masters.
If you deviate from the path of the Sage and act to punish or condemn others now, misfortune will result. Instead, meet attacks with stillness, acceptance, and fidelity to proper principles. Treat others with gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. If you are steadfast in this, good fortune will ultimately be yours.
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 26: Ta Ch’u 大畜 The Taming Power of the Great
We are told to
realize that not a single
thing exists. In this field, birth and death
do not appear. The deep source, transparent down
to the bottom, can radiantly shine and respond
unencumbered by each speck of dust
without becoming its
partner.