Forget the words and embody
Posts Tagged → happiness
without the aid of sutras
It has no bridge,
yet the cloud climbs up
to heaven; it does not seek
the aid of Gautama’s
sutras.
if you can penetrate “i don’t know”
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,
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.
awareness cleaned my mind
Awareness cleaned
my mind to a polished mirroring.
The presence came near, and I knew
that That was everything,
and I nothing.
a time of darkness comes to a close
Receiving
this hexagram is a sign
that you have reached a turning point.
This moment is akin to the winter solstice: the
greatest adversity is past, and the light is beginning
to return. Nonetheless, one cannot force the
completion of the change, and it is wise
to rest. Act only when you can move
gently and innocently, and all
will be well.
Fu also comes
as a reminder to return
to the light in yourself. Growth is only
possible when we relinquish the expressions of
the ego: pride, impatience, anger, and desire.
To act forcefully or ambitiously
now will only generate
misfortune.
Let things
develop naturally, in their
own way. Simply observe and accept
changes as you observe and accept the rising
of the sun. Allow yourself to rest and gather strength
for a time of growth ahead. By holding to modesty,
gentleness, and correct conduct, you prepare
the ground for a fruitful blossoming
when the light fully
returns.
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
ebooks & apps of the Tao the Ching, I Ching,
Hua hu Ching, and Art of War for
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.
