There is rarely a perfect solution in this world, one that can be true to both Buddha and one's beloved. In this bustling world, among countless beings, we eat grains, experience the joys and sorrows of life, and know the coldness
and warmth of human relationships. How easy is it to truly transcend the three realms and escape the cycle of reincarnation? The Heart Sutra says, "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form." Here, emptiness is not nothingness, but a form of practice, a state of being, a return to the simplicity of Zen. I once had the privilege of discussing Buddhist issues with Zen Master Jingfa at Xixin Temple in Bijie. One question he asked me remains vivid in my memory: "Who was I before I was born? Who am I after I am born?" Upon hearing this, I was filled with doubt, thinking, "This old monk is lying to me!" Whether before or after, I am who I am; how could I be someone else? Now, I realize how superficial and ignorant my understanding was.
In later life, I gradually began to understand what the Zen Master meant. Life is fleeting, like a blade of grass in autumn. In our long lives, we encounter countless difficulties and choices. The hustle and bustle of life is driven by self-interest; wealth and status cause many to lose their way, lose themselves, and forget their original intentions. Naturally, they no longer know their true selves or what kind of person they should be. In this vast and colorful world
, there are too many temptations. In this materialistic world, we must safeguard the pure land in our hearts and the innocence of our humanity. Meditation and enlightenment can help us be more self-aware and less worldly. Meditation and enlightenment do not mean taking off our suits and putting on monk's robes, or removing our red dresses and putting on Buddhist robes. Rather, it means possessing a tranquil mind, detached from worldly strife. If we are detached from worldly strife, who can contend with us?
"What is destined to be yours will be yours, and what is not, you cannot force." This is called Buddhist affinity. Life is but a fleeting few decades, passing by in a rush, and everything is preordained. When fate brings you together, it will last forever; when fate takes its course, forcing it is futile. Gathering and parting are both predestined; let everything be as it is. Clinging to anything will only bring unnecessary trouble and sorrow. Let go of your attachments and give yourself a free life. Let the storms rage on; I will walk leisurely. Without desire or wants, there will be no resentment or hatred.
Life, in its essence, is nothing more than gathering and parting; life, in its clarity, is nothing more than birth and death. The character for "person" (人) is composed of two strokes, because people are inherently simple. People shouldn't have so much greed, so much scheming, so much calculation. Live simply, be ordinary, be your true self, a genuine person. There's no need to hide anything; live as clean and pure as you were when you were born.
In the bustling world, three cups of wine; in the grand scheme of things, a pot of tea. What are fame and fortune, what are riches and glory? In the end, they are nothing but fleeting clouds. A thousand mansions, yet one's body is only eight feet tall; ten thousand taels of gold, yet one eats only three meals a day; pearls and jade, warm and lustrous, are only for admiring for a thousand years.
No one is good for a thousand days, no flower blooms for a hundred. No matter how glorious you are in life, when you leave, you are nothing more than a piece of clothing, a coffin, and ultimately a handful of yellow earth.
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