When the wind
comes to sparse bamboo,
the bamboo doesn’t keep the sound
after the wind has passed. When geese cross
a cold pond, the pond doesn’t retain their reflection
after the geese have gone. Similarly, the minds of
enlightened people become manifest when
events occur and then become
empty when the events
are over.
Calmness
in quietude is not
real calm; when you can be calm
in the midst of activity, this is the true
state of nature. Happiness in comfort is
not real happiness; when you can be
happy in the midst of hardship,
then you see the true
potential of the
mind.
There is a true buddha
in family life; there is a real tao
in everyday activities. If people can
be sincere and harmonious, promoting
communication with a cheerful demeanor
and friendly words, that is much better
than formal meditation
practice.
A moment of kindness
can produce a mood of harmony
between heaven and earth. Purity of
heart can leave a fine example for
a hundred generations.
those who are like the spring breeze
Association with city people
is not as good as friendship with elderly
peasants. Calling on upper-class mansions is not
as good as getting to know peasant homes. Listening
to the talk of the streets and alleys is not as good as hearing
the songs of the woodcutters and shepherds. Talking
about the moral failures and professional blunders
of people today is not as good as retelling
the fine words and noble deeds
of people of old.