Awareness cleaned
my mind to a polished mirroring.
The presence came near, and I knew
that That was everything,
and I nothing.
Awareness cleaned
my mind to a polished mirroring.
The presence came near, and I knew
that That was everything,
and I nothing.
Those who follow
Tao strive for perfection,
but they are wary about being called
prophets. That is a limited role. Being a prophet
represents a great trap baited with the temptation of
self-importance. The ultimate aim of following
Tao is to transcend identity. Those who call
themselves prophets or even masters
maximize their identities.
It is far better
not to be a prophet, and to
eschew the responsibilities, limitations,
and temptations. It is far better to be obscure
and to be thought stupid. Having someone call you
by a title is an interference that you don’t need.
When you are seeing the greatest wonder
of your life, the last thing you want
is to have someone blocking
the light.
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
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The
great truth of zen
is possessed by everybody.
Look into your own being and seek
it not through others. Your own mind is
above all forms; it is free and quiet and sufficient;
it eternally stamps itself in your six senses and four elements.
In its light all is absorbed. Hush the dualism of subject and object,
forget both, transcend the intellect, sever yourself from
the understanding, and directly penetrate deep
into the identity of the buddha-mind;
outside of this there are
no realities.
…Put your
simple faith in this,
discipline yourself accordingly;
let your body and mind be turned into
an inanimate object of nature like a stone or
a piece of wood; when a state of perfect motionlessness
and unawareness is obtained all the signs of life will depart and
also every trace of limitation will vanish. Not a single idea will disturb
your consciousness, when lo! All of a sudden you will come to realize
the light abounding in full gladness. It is like coming across the
light in thick darkness; it is like receiving treasure in poverty.
The four elements and the five aggregates are no more
felt as burdens; so light, so easy, so free you are.
Your very existence has been delivered
from all limitations; you have
become open, light, and
transparent.
The purpose
and result of quietly
observing the self is to forget
the self. When the mind is seen for
what it is and fascination with
its activities dissipates,
reality, which was
always present,
appears.
It is at
this point that we
understand that nothing
is problematic and life
becomes thoroughly
enjoyable.
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