the taming power of the great

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

radiantly shine and respond unencumbered

life of hongzhi

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.

Hongzhi Zhengjue

open yourself and give up everything

The way

to study true zen

is not verbal. Just open

yourself and give up everything.

Whatever happens, study closely

and see what you find out.

This is the fundamental

attitude.

Shunryu Suzuki

the myriad things and I are one

horses on the river road

The universe

and I are of the same root.

The myriad things and I are

one body. That is

zazen.

Kodo Sawaki Roshi

serene and free at all times

she was and is

People who study the Way begin by having the faith to turn toward it. They are fed up with the vexations and filth of the world and are always afraid they will not be able to find a road of entry into the Way.

Once you have been directed by a teacher or else discovered on your own the originally inherently complete real mind, then no matter what situations or circumstances you encounter, you know for yourself where it’s really at.

But then if you hold fast to that real mind, the problem is you cannot get out, and it becomes a nest. You set up “illumination” and “function” in acts and states, snort and clap and glare and raise your eyebrows, deliberately putting on a scene.

When you meet a genuine expert of the school again, he removes all this knowledge and understanding for you, so you can merge directly with realization of the original uncontrived, unpreoccupied, unminding state. After this you will feel shame and repentance and know to cease and desist. You will proceed to vanish utterly, so that not even the sages can find you arising anywhere, much less anyone else.

That is why Yantou said, “Those people who actually realize it just keep serene and free at all times, without cravings, without dependence.” Isn’t this the door to peace and happiness?”

Yuanwu

zen letters

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