By Qianfeng Disciple Tian Yuzi (天雨子)
Translator’s Note: Obviously, our minds are conditioned by the experiences we receive from the outside world from the moment of birth onward. We are programmed and socialised by our parents, communities, cultures and societies. This may be termed the ‘educational’ phase of our existences where we learn all the attributes required to be a responsible human-beings. However, this process of conditioning is only half the story. When we become functioning individuals, then the way we think and behave has an impact upon the world we live-in. In this ‘poem’ Tian Yuzi (Disciple Divine Rain) expresses the point of view of a mature Daoist ascetic who understands that ‘free will’ determines the world we inhabit, or at least provides the ‘filter’ through which we ‘interpret’ events. We are nolonger innocent children being ‘filled-up’ by the institutions and conventions of the outside world, and must stand on our own two feet and take responsibility for our own existences. Yes, love and mutual support are certainly the ‘Way’, and although we often sit and train in ‘isolation’, we never forget the well-being of all life that exists. Peace and love to you all! ACW (4.3.2020)
The (external) State is experienced by the (inner) mind. The conditioning of our personal mind determines how we interpret (and interact) with the outside world. From the sense of personal responsibility, ‘what’ and ‘how’ we think effects the way in which society develops and functions. The inner state of our mind is a filter through which we see the world. This is why the mind determines the State, and the State does not determine the mind. In self-cultivation, ‘will-power’ is the key...
It is not outer turmoil which defeats us, but rather our inner confusion. It is fear and anger which is deeply ingrained in the patterns of the mind. If you want to achieve something, first build a strong mind. In this way you can face the inner and outer storms of life and the mind ‘will not move’. The mind will be ‘silent’, ‘deep’, ‘loving’ and ‘full of peace’. It will not be ‘disturbed regardless of circumstance. When the mind is ‘still’, there is no ‘fear’...
Self-cultivation is built on a strong foundation of goodness. All negativity must be uprooted from the patterns of the mind, and its old conditioning exposed and rejected. Goodness is nothing but ‘light’ and ‘warmth’! From a ‘still’ and ‘shining’ mind, all other aspects of Daoist self-cultivation are achieved. This is how the mind (and heart) is filled with endless beauty!
A sagely person understands that the development of the mind is the key to Daoist self-cultivation. The ‘stilling’ of the mind is the ‘doorway’ into genuine self-cultivation. Nothing can be achieved if the mind is not treated as the access point to reality. At the very least, the physical body (and environment) must be conducive for the mind to be brought to a state of complete and permanent ‘inner peace’. Although the external world guides and shapes us, nevertheless, when we grow-up and become individuals, it is our responsibility to work on the purity of inner life, and in so doing contribute with ‘goodness’ toward the building of the external world.
Original Chinese Language Text:
心定则神安。
境由心生,境由心造,境由心变,你的心,决定了你的处境,而不是你的处境,决定了你的心。
真正能打败你的,常常不是外界的狂风暴雨,而是你内心的恐惧和害怕。
欲成事,先修一颗强大的心,你就能从容面对人生的风雨,不惧未来的挑战,做出自己的一番成就。
欲成事,先修一颗坚定的心,咬定青山不放松,不认命,不认输,不放弃,不妥协,就没有你到达不了的地方。
欲成事,先修一颗善良的心,心中有善,便能心安,心中有善,温暖和美好,便会充满心间。
做人要明白,一个人,欲成事,先修心,心修好了,事情自然水到渠成,因为你的心,是根本,根本问题解决了,其他事情自然好办了。