Diligently practice following the Tao. It is not enough to merely read or espouse the virtues of it. Without practice, there is nothing. Practice silence, meditation, and stillness. Get away from the electronics for an hour or two. Practice doing nothing, but being quiet with both mind and body. The body is run ragged, the [...]
One’s greatness increases to the extent one becomes humble. The hollow and flimsy straw floats high on the surface of the sea, while the heavy pearl lies low at the bottom of the sea. Likewise, though the worthless one is positioned above, he is really low, and though the great one is positioned below, he [...]
Though it is said that fasting and non-sleep are in a way an aid to spiritual progress, excess of them is certainly harmful. Buddha tried ascetic means to free himself from suffering. This was no more successful than living in a luxurious manner. It is only through the middle way that we can alleviate what [...]
If people who have an abundant amount of wealth were to give up just a few of their luxurious modes of living, millions of the suffering poor could live. It is through the crimes of excess, even the nectar will become the poison. By the crime of excess, there is the birth of many evils. [...]
Those who follow the Tao should not with dejection hate enemies even a little, however bad they may be. For even hatred, like desire, is fit to be hated. Hate the act, but not the person who has done the act. This of course takes great strength and practice. However, remember that they suffer, we [...]
Sit in a comfortable manner with your back straight but relaxed-
Begin by taking a few deep breaths, then let your natural breathing take over-
Rest your attention on your breathing and its rhythm-
Experience your breathing without visualization or imagination-
Let your breathing be natural. Do not try to control it either faster or slower-
If you wish, count [...]
Q- My practice doesn’t really seem to change the way I live my life. Why?
A- That would depend on the quality of your practice. Is it a deep practice, full of devotion? Or is it in the form of a superficial practice, more of a hobby or diversion? Without devoting yourself full-time to practicing the [...]
Follow the way of the Tao in an accepting manner. Enjoy the sweets but know too that not all things are sweet or pleasurable. There is bitterness in life as well. The Tao does not favor one thing over another. Life is not fair, it is just life.
The pure feeling of peace will reign within only for those who have freed themselves from delusion. For these foolish delusions alone are the poisonous seeds that bear unwholesome fruit. Without a practice that is as solid as a mountain, there is no hope for ridding one’s self of these poisonous delusions.
One should maintain relationships with people as you would with drivers on the roads. Be courteous, kind, share, and above all be careful. Keep your distance. Do not get too close to anyone other than trusted loved ones. When you get close to someone, this only invites an accident. Be content with where you are. [...]