Pure Mountain Tao

No matter how hard we try, we eventually discover that we cannot force change within the heart. We cannot read a book and then demand of our heart or mind: “I want you to feel this way!” We soon realize that the most intimate part of our being can betray us. It can cause us to be wrapped up in anger, hatred, lust, or some other negative emotion. Only by cultivating wisdom through meditation and prayer can we begin to effect change within.

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All night I could not sleep
because of the moonlight on my bed.
I kept on hearing a voice calling:
Out of Nowhere, Nothing answered “yes.”

Zi Ye, Collection of Chinese Folk Songs