1546-1623, Chinese Chan Master, Scholar, Poet
Adversity What the ego considers to be a devastating hurricane is, as far as the universe is concerned, a perfectly natural event, a link in the endless chain of cause and effect. The universe, having no ego, continues its existence without rendering judgments about hurricanes or ocean breezes. When we are empty of ego we, too, can carry on in calm acceptance of life's varying events. Journey to Dreamland , Jy Din Shakya, tr., 1998
Attention / Awareness Alertness brings awareness and awareness is a light that in a Searing flash obliterates all traces of the ghost. Let your True Nature shine forth in perfect clarity. "Purify Your Mind," Poems by Silly Mountain , Upasaka Richard Cheung, tr.
Autonomy / Control Alone, you are a sovereign. Yourself, a precious kingdom. Reign with peace and harmony! What external force can possibly invade? Ibid.
Wisdom for The Soul: Five Millennia of Prescriptions for Spiritual Healing , © 2004