Thursday, October 22, 2009

Hua Hu Ching - Verse 45

Verse Forty-Five
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place. This is true because the mind is the governing aspect of a human life. If the river flows clearly and cleanly through the proper channel, all will be well along its banks. The Integral Way depends on decreasing, not increasing; To correct your mind, rely on not-doing. Stop thinking and clinging to complications; keep your mind detached and whole. Eliminate mental muddiness and obscurity; keep your mind crystal clear. Avoid daydreaming and allow your pure original insight to emerge. Quiet your emotions and abide in serenity. Don't go crazy with the worship of idols, images, and ideas; this is like putting a new head on top of the head you already have. Remember: if you can cease all restless activity, your integral nature will appear.
~ Translated by Brian Walker ~
Everything related to human life begins with our minds. It is what interprets all the stimuli and sensations around us. It warns us of danger and makes sense (well, sometimes) of great pleasure and ecstasy. It is what tells us that you are you and I am me.

In a manner of speaking, the mind is humankind's greatest achievement, yet it's also our collective downfall. The cultivation of mind has allowed us to create beautiful works of art, develop dazzling displays of technology, postulate complicated theorems and formulations, and build a world full of creature comforts.

But the mind is also that mechanism that gives each of us the illusion of disconnection. The concept of self is derived from it and perpetuates it throughout our lives. It sets us apart from each other, all life forms and the mysterious Oneness.

As long as we each remain cogent, this separation -- in some measure -- will remain. There's no way around it. While disciplines like meditation and Tai Chi can allow us brief glimpses beyond the veil, the vast majority of our lives will be lived in the land of self.

Since we are each burdened with this same yoke, we can mitigate it somewhat by keeping ourselves clear of unbridled desire and emotional complications. It is by leading a simple life in service to others that we can mentally bridge the chasm of separation.

This post is part of a "miniseries". For an introduction, go here.

3 comments:

  1. augh i can't help but daydream. :P i'm screwed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DREAM IS THAT YOU DO NOT SEE IN THE NIGHT AFTER YOU SLEEP. DREAM IS THAT DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO SLEEP UNTIL GET TO YOUR GOAL. GET UP AND ACHIVE YOUR GOAL "YOU"

      Delete
  2. I really like this verse, is calmy-clear. I should translate it and send it to the politicians here. And to my over dramatic mom.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are unmoderated, so you can write whatever you want.