from Verse TenThose who embody the Way are free and never come to a dead end. Those who let calculation run their lives work hard without accomplishment. Rigid laws and tough punishments are not the work of great leaders, whipping the horse over and over is not the way to ride a long distance.~ Wen-tzu: Understanding the Mysteries ~
When our minds are open to infinite possibilities, we can never be stumped. We approach each situation in life and figure out a way to traverse the morass. We might get our feet wet and a bit of mud on our clothes, but we move without getting bogged down.
Too often, unfortunately, our minds are not open and we see few options. We spend so much time calculating probabilities and possibilities that we don't notice we're sinking in the oozing mud. By the time it catches our attention, it's too late and we find ourselves hopelessly stuck. We then beat ourselves up over and over again for being so stupid and careless.
Yet, once we're finally able to extricate ourselves or someone else pulls us out, the process begins anew. We learn nothing and repeat the same pattern ad nauseam.
This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.
Too often, unfortunately, our minds are not open and we see few options. We spend so much time calculating probabilities and possibilities that we don't notice we're sinking in the oozing mud. By the time it catches our attention, it's too late and we find ourselves hopelessly stuck. We then beat ourselves up over and over again for being so stupid and careless.
Yet, once we're finally able to extricate ourselves or someone else pulls us out, the process begins anew. We learn nothing and repeat the same pattern ad nauseam.
This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.
How hard it is to "embody the Way"! Even though one is completely convinced while sitting reading about not letting calculation run one's life, "trying" to put it into action through making an effort doesn't work.
ReplyDelete“When a mechanical mind is hidden within, then pure innocence is not unadulterated. As for those in whom spiritual qualities are not complete, who knows how far destructiveness can go? As for those in whose hearts all malicious feelings are completely forgotten, they could even take a hungry tiger by the tail, let alone other people.
ReplyDeleteThose who embody the Way are free and never come to a dead end. Those who let calculation run their lives work hard without accomplishment. Rigid laws and harsh punishments are not the work of great leaders, whipping the horse over and over is not the way to ride a long distance…. ”
What is this mechanical mind, the mind of calculation? Why do the innocent, free from malice, those who embody the Way never come to a dead end? What freedom is theirs?
With mechanical mind, we grow hermetically sealed. Our actions come within the dead zone of or constrained calculations. There is a part that is fixed and cut off.
The freedom described here, the no dead end, is the fullness and constant creativity of life unconstrained. As we let the world be, we come more fully to rest in ourselves – and to rest in Reality.
This is a rest that refreshes. An openness and coherence. Clarity arises. Life happens. Opportunities arise. This whole person can serve the living Great. Much energy is released.
The mechanical mind – is it Buber’s “I-It”? Innocence and the Way – is it no-mind (mu-shin)?
There is a pinch between the eyes and at base of spine. A frozenness of jaw, of nose and face.
No one grabs the tiger’s tail.
This Chapter says “taher libenu.”
No calculating, mechanical mind – no dead end. Open to life. Recognizing the Great Reality. Greater than this person, this mind, and this will. Yet the Source of this life.
Relate the spirit of the valley, operating the valley gate, the female part to also service and giving. Is It living responsiveness, presence, and allowing help {in all directions} to arise?