the way of non-differentiation

rick spitzer

When the level of concentration

on the void is gradually attained, one will feel

that he is free from delusion. Although he keeps himself

pure and rejects the impure, his mind is not yet

completely pure — it is as a sword that

has cut through mud and

remains uncleaned.

…When one reaches jen-wei, or

the level of absolute freedom, he is truly free.

His mind and body are non-attached to anything.

There is absolutely no gain and no loss. This mystery

is the way of non-differentiation. If one tried

to say even one word about it, he

would miss the point.

Ch’ing-chü Hao-sheng

original teachings of ch’an

move steadily in a single direction

for the last day of your life

Consistent

correctness turns every

situation to your advantage.

The image of this hexagram is that of a gentle wind dispersing storm clouds. A wind that changes direction often, even a very powerful one, will disperse nothing—it only stirs up the sky. The wind that causes real change is the one that blows consistently in the same direction. There is an important lesson for us in this example.

When faced with a difficult problem to resolve or a goal we wish to achieve, we often are tempted to take striking and energetic actions. Though it is possible to achieve temporary results in this fashion, they tend to collapse when we cannot sustain the vigorous effort. More enduring accomplishments are won through gentle but ceaseless penetration, like that of a soft wind blowing steadily in the same direction. The truth of the Sage penetrates to us in this way, and this hexagram comes now to remind you that this is how you should seek to penetrate others.

The advice given to you by the I Ching is threefold. First, establish a clear goal; the wind that continually changes direction has no real effect. Second, apply the principle of gentle penetration to yourself; by eliminating your own inferior qualities you earn an influence over others. Third, avoid aggressive or ambitious maneuvers now; these are rooted in desire and fear and will only serve to block the aid of the Creative. The desirable influence is the one that flows naturally from maintaining a proper attitude.

In your interactions with others, bend like the willow. By remaining adaptable, balanced, accepting, and independent, and by steadily moving in a single direction, you gain the clarity and strength that make possible a series of great successes.

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 57, Sun / The Gentle (The Penetrating Wind)

🪷

Right among the people coming and going

I have a place to stay

I shut the gate even in the daytime

And feel as though I had bought

Wo-chu the great mountain

And had it with me in town.

Never since I was born have I

Liked to argue, mouth full of blood.

My mouth is made fast to heaven and earth