from Verse One Hundred SixSages can be passive, and they can be active; they can be flexible, and they can be firm; they can be yielding, and they can be forceful. Active or passive according to the time, they establish works according to resources.~ Wen-tzu: Understanding the Mysteries~
There are a lot of people running around the world today who are more than willing to share with you -- often for a fee -- a formula for "right living". They will provide you with checklists, rules and guides to refer to as you encounter the various situations and circumstances that this life dishes out. They will urge you to read books, listen to tapes, watch videos and attend seminars and retreats.
While there is no question that some of these self-styled gurus may provide some helpful tips, there is no one formula for life! As the above passage points out, it is the situations we face, more than anything else, that dictates the needed response or reaction. All it takes to understand what is needed is to be ever focused on the situation at hand and to be open to the possibilities.
Where we each tend to land ourselves in trouble is when we go into situations we preconceived notions. These notions blind us to many of the potential solutions and so we paddle against the current and exhaust ourselves while getting nowhere.
This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.
While there is no question that some of these self-styled gurus may provide some helpful tips, there is no one formula for life! As the above passage points out, it is the situations we face, more than anything else, that dictates the needed response or reaction. All it takes to understand what is needed is to be ever focused on the situation at hand and to be open to the possibilities.
Where we each tend to land ourselves in trouble is when we go into situations we preconceived notions. These notions blind us to many of the potential solutions and so we paddle against the current and exhaust ourselves while getting nowhere.
This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.
The value of a tea cup lies in the open space--the ability to hold something. When we fill the teacup to the top, there's no room for anything new.
ReplyDeleteAn open mind is one of our most valuable tools for everything from self-realization to human interaction.
Good post.
Yes, any receptacle filled to the brim is problematic for the reason you mention.
ReplyDeleteI like it just fine when my propane tank is filled to its capacity.
ReplyDeleteIt does its job.
When it is empty, I re-fill it.
Regarding a teacup:
Its purpose is to hold tea.
Why would anyone want to put anything else in it?
As regards an open mind:
To everything there is a season.
I read a good quote, the other day, along the lines of:
One must mount a vigilant guard at the gateway to one's mind.
Some of the most tiresome, dull, opinionated people I have met have regarded themselves as "open-minded" and "free-thinking".
What it generally seems to mean is:
Able to absorb dogma and repeat it without a thought as to its truth.
While at the same time being able to attack anyone who sees things differently.