Philosophical Musings - Part XXVIII

The Roots of Wisdom

As I laid in bed, struck with a serious illness over the past month - I realize just how fragile my life really is. There is nothing like the threat of my life being forcibly taken away for me to really comprehend how attached I am to this life I'm leading. Taking care of one's health may sound cliched but it's better than being bedridden for a month. Though I've lost a month, I've gained a new found appreciation for life and my health. There's nothing like Calvin's proverbial advice - a good swift kick in the butt is what I need to get going. And that reminds me on Hong Yingming's verse on the roots of sorrow below.

The Roots of Sorrow

The Diseases of Old Age

Are all incurred at the time of our Youth

The Adversities that overtake us after we start to decline

Were all created at the time of our Prosperity

  

Therefore, when the Gentleman is enjoying Status & Fortune

He is extremely apprehensive

Philosophical Musings - Part XXVII

A Stranger Knocks on the Door



As I lay there
In the warm embrace of my veil
The air suddenly turns frigid
Chills tingle up my spine

I hear a knock on the door
So soft, almost like a chime
So methodical, almost like the
Sands of Time

The veil of Ignorance
Is ripped to shreds
And what is left
Is something awkward?

For who is the visitor
That knocks?
A hooded, shrouded figure
That offers the sweet temptation of Finality

A sense of panic
Courses through my entire body
As I shudder and wake up drenched in fear
What is the meaning of this?

I run away
Grasping at the tattered remains of the veil
But how long can I flee?
And where is the haven that I seek?

Philosophical Musings - Part XXVI

My Search for Meaning


Once … long past
I believed in the world
Accepted life without questions
Without doubts

Now
Questions abounds
Burning …
Unyielding …

Freedom …
Free to think
Free to ponder
Free to question

My mind
Like a whirlpool
Swirling
Unceasing

Some place faith
With God
Though
I will not

No haven
No shelter
Only the sinister
Light of the cold, harsh truth

Why must I end?
If so, why do I exist?
Why did I begin?
If so, why am I unaware?

Philosophical Musings - Part XXV

Reflections on the Winter of My Soul


In the silence of the Night
I sit here alone
And I ponder
On Life

What is clearly Black or White …
Has turned into shades of Grey
What is evidently Right or Wrong …
Has become mired in lies

When Trust is betrayed
It pains one’s Soul
More than words can say
More than the heart can bear

A shadow has fallen
Across the arid landscape
Lost …
Forever?

One day
The journey must end
I know naught what the future holds
Will I one day too, be forsaken, forgotten and forlorn?

Philosophical Musings – Part XXIV

The Roots of Wisdom

Our education system in this modern world is in somewhat of a dire state. Rote learning, memorizing and plagiarizing is becoming rampant. We should be vigilant in educating our young ones on how to understand the true essence of things. Here is the relevant verse from the Roots of Wisdom:

The Essence of Things



People understand how to read books
That have words
But do not understand how to read those
That lack them



They know how to pluck the lute
That has strings
But do not know how to pluck one
That has none

Caught by the form
But untouched by the spirit
How can they obtain
The substance of either literature or music?

Philosophical Musings – Part XXIII

The Roots of Wisdom

In this modern world, it is all too easy to get caught up in our little world. Petty differences and insignificant matters are blown out of proportion. Yet, can we accept the fact that we are merely insignificant beings in the greater Scheme of things? Why not let these troubles and travails go for a moment? Let a verse from the Roots of Wisdom illuminate your Path:

The Highest Wisdom



Mountains and Earth
Are already nothing but dust

While man, of course
Is but dust within dust



Bodies made of blood and muscle
Will surely return to bubble and shadow

While human affairs
Are but shadows within shadows



If the Highest Wisdom is not attained
The Heart will not understand

Philosophical Musings – Part XXII

The Roots of Wisdom

A contaminated mind cannot achieve serenity, no matter where it is. When the mind is possessed by the afflictions of greed, hatred and delusion, there is no safe haven on Earth. The verse below may illuminate you on the folly of a contaminated mind:

Contaminated Mind



Mountains and Forests
Are abodes of sages
Yet, once you place designs on them
They become no better than the marketplace



Books and Paintings
Are elegance personified
Yet, once they are coveted unreasonably
They become no better than pawned goods



If the mind is pure
Even the vulgar world
Is the Realm
Of Sages



If the mind is infatuated
Even places of pleasure
May become
Seas of Regret

Philosophical Musings – Part XXI

The Roots of Wisdom

A wise man should not let gain or loss, nor honor or disgrace, blemish his original nature. Though one’s fortune may change, if one is cautious and circumspect, he needs not worry about the vagaries of life. An unperturbed hard is a sign of true wisdom, as elaborated here by Hong Yingming:

An Unperturbed Heart



Do not be surprised by either
Praise or Blame
Look peacefully in the Garden
As flowers bloom and flowers fall



Give no regards to either
Leaving or Staying
Ramblingly follow the sky
As clouds mass together and clouds disperse

Philosophical Musings – Part XIX

Roots of Wisdom

During this coming festive season, giving and receiving gifts are common. Yet, it is easy to lose sight of the purpose of gifts. Often, gifts are given with ulterior motives including flaunting one’s wealth. Is this the right spirit of giving? Let’s listen to what Hong Yingming has to say:

The Right Spirit of Giving



Even with vast sums of Money
It is difficult tie down more than a moment of Joy



Surprisingly, even a single Meal
Will render a person grateful for the rest of his Life

For ultimately, when Love is too ponderous
It creates, paradoxically, Aversion

But when light
It reverses again and engenders Joy

Philosophical Musings – Part XVIII

The Roots of Wisdom

Life is constantly changing during these chaotic times. Yet one should act naturally in accordance with the changing circumstances. Remain vigilant in prosperous times and calm during challenging ones. One would do well to heed the following verse:

Natural Quietude



Heaven and Earth
Remain peacefully unmoved
Yet, their Life Force is unceasing
And is seldom known to rest



The Sun and Moon
Hasten through their courses of Day and Night
Yet, their befitting Light
Has not changed through the Ages

Thus for the Gentleman:

It is necessary during times of Leisure
To keep in mind what is proper for Emergencies
It is necessary during times of Difficulties
To retain an element of Composure

Philosophical Musings – Part XVII

The Roots of Wisdom

Where can one find a sage who can impart upon you the true meaning of life? Be wary of those who promise to fulfill all your wildest desires if you follow their teachings. For charlatans and false prophets seem to thrive in this day and age. Listen to a verse from Hong Yingming, lest you be led astray.

The Man of True Wisdom



Spicy Wines and Roasted Meats
Sweet and Spicy Foods

These do no have True Taste
True Taste is only in the light and simple



The Mysterious and the Strange
The Pre-eminent and the Uncommon

These are not men with True Wisdom
True Wisdom lies only within the ordinary man

Philosophical Musings - Part XVI

A Prison without Walls

As I continue my journey in life, I feel ill at ease. Through good times or bad, I cannot shake off a sensation of discomfort in life. There are flashes of insight and understanding, that fade away all too quickly. To alleviate this uneasiness, I continue to seek answers to the meaning of life. Yet, it has all come to naught. It is today that I finally realize the why my sojourn is unfruitful. I am shackled in a prison without walls. Without true freedom, one cannot journey to find the Truth. Yet, to achieve true freedom requires me to open the door to my prison. How can something be so simple, yet so difficult? Why indeed?

To tame the most Powerful Animal
Consider how humans have devised a way to tame the most powerful land animal on the planet - the elephant. They start by securing a baby elephant firmly with a strong rope and a sturdy stake driven deep into the ground. The baby elephant struggles to break free, but struggle as it will, it cannot escape its bonds. The young elephant eventually tires and gives up trying. Thereafter, as soon as it reaches the end of its rope, it goes no further. It has been trained always to think that it cannot break free of its bounds; its spirit has been broken.

As elephant grows it becomes stronger, while the rope becomes thinner and the stake smaller. Yet every time the elephant meets resistance from the end of the rope, it stops. It thinks it can go no further because it has been trained not to try to break free. Eventually the elephant reaches full size and, having learned the behavioral lessons of infancy so well; it can be easily restrained by only a thin rope and a tiny stake. It has long given up trying to break free of its bonds of captivity.

Societal Conditioning
Dismay dawns upon me when I realize that I share the same fate as the elephant restrained the thin rope and tiny stake. Having been conditioned by society, I cannot break free. Superficially, I understand that my sense of self-worth should not be dependent on my wealth, influence or position in society. And yet … why is it, I find that I cannot let it go? Who am I really, if I were to give up my qualifications, wealth and possessions? Would I cease to exist without these societal trappings?

When the Water Vessel is full
‘You’re just so full of yourself!’

Pride, ego, conceit – I have been guilty of all these unskillful thoughts and much more. If I cannot empty my vessel of all these pre-conceived notions and dogmas, how can I find the Truth? I strive to do so, in vain. For I cherish my past accomplishments too much, I am too infatuated with possessions and value the opinions of others too greatly.

The Ultimate Teacher
And yet … the specter of Death looms in front of me. It makes a mockery of my life and struggle to find meaning. For a sage once uttered to me this:

‘Ripples on the water like the passing of years. Man enters life and there is a splash. His life sends out ripples—small ripples for a little man, huge waves for a great man—waves that overwhelmed the tiny ripples, wash them away or remold them. But in the end it is all the same, for the ripples go out into the lake of life and soon die away, to leave the lake smooth for new lives or stones.’

An Unknown Sojourn
I ponder…
I hesitate …
I deliberate …
Minutes passes into hours, days, weeks, months, years and decades …

Conclusion:
For over four millennia, the game of Go has been played, yet Kami no Itte has yet to be revealed. What more of Life? There can be no conclusion as to the meaning of life. Perhaps, it is the journey I take through life that will define the meaning of MY life.

If I may be so bold to ask: What is the purpose of your life?

Philosophical Musings - Part XV

The Roots of Wisdom

Be wary of how you spend your days, for life is transient. Here’s a verse by Hong Yingming on this ephemeral and fleeting world we live in.

Transient Life

Heaven and Earth exist for eons
Yet this body you will not receive again

Our lives span no longer than a century
Yet the days pass with the greatest of ease

He who is fortunate to be born:

Should not be ignorant of the joy of living
Nor oblivious to the sorrow of life’s vanity

Philosophical Musings - Part XIV

The Roots of Wisdom

Deeds committed in the Past cannot be changed, so why dwell on it? One should not rest on one’s own laurels nor regret one’s mistakes. It is best to be mindful and stay in the present moment, for it is in the Present where you can make a difference. Here is what Hong Yingming has to say on reflecting one's past actions.


Right Action



Even if one has performed
Herculean meritorious deeds

If their value is not to be negated
The word ‘Pride’ does not apply



Even if one has committed a crime
Frowned upon by even the Heavens

If one has truly repented
The word ‘Regret’ does not apply

Philosophical Musings - Part XIII

The Roots of Wisdom

Character defects are all too common these days. It would be meaningful to contemplate on the following verses by Hong Yingming and reflect on these common character flaws.

On Character Defects

When hungry
They stick to you

When full
They fly away like the wind

If there is wealth
They trot right over

Where there is poverty
They abandon

These are the common defects
Of human character

Philosophical Musings - Part XII

The Roots of Wisdom

In life, one has to face various kinds of people. When facing unsavory characters, how can one avoid harm to oneself? One should tread carefully and be discerning in his dealings with such people. Hong Yingming cautions us, thus:

Avoiding Harm




Though you are aware of the deceit of others
Remain unperturbed and feign ignorance





Though you receive the contempt of others
Remain calm and let it pass



Between the two of these
There is infinity of meaning

Between the two of these
There is infinity of use

Philosophical Musings - Part XI

The Roots of Wisdom

A clear and uncluttered mind is one the greatest treasures that one can possess. For with clarity of mind, one can perceive reality and not be deceived by falsehoods and delusions. Both the mundane and divine can be grasped without difficulty. How then can one achieve clarity of mind? The Roots of Wisdom may yet point the way:

Clarity of Mind



Of those who make their meals
From simple herbs and vegetables

Many are as pure as ice
As stainless as gems



Of those who dress in fancy clothes
And feast sumptuously

Lower themselves to acting
Like servants and slaves



Ultimately, the Mind is made clear
By Simplicity

And Integrity lost
By Opulence

Philosophical Musings - Part X

The Roots of Wisdom

It is necessary for one to speak out, if a friend has erred. Yet, it is difficult to give constructive criticisms gently and avoid offending the other party. How then should one act? Perhaps a verse from Hong Yingming’s, The Roots of Wisdom may illuminate the right way to criticize:

On Criticizing

When attacking someone’s faults
Do not be too severe

You need to consider
How well he will weather what he hears

When teaching someone
By showing him what is noble

Soar not to sublime heights
Descend to whence he can perceive

Philosophical Musings - Part IX

The Roots of Wisdom

Whilst studying, one should focus fully to the task at hand and seek to understand the material being taught. If one does not learn things in the right spirit, such knowledge merely superficial and useless!

What is the point of learning things half heartedly and memorizing things without understanding? Such knowledge is worst than none at all! Here is what Hong Yingming has to say about studying!

Doing Things in the Right Spirit

For the person who would study
It is necessary to collect one’s spirit
And to apply oneself in earnest

But if in cultivating virtue
There remains any idea of merit or fame
Learning will invariably amount to nothing

And if in reading books
There is a tendency towards recitation and stylishness
Surely, there will be nothing in the depths of the heart!

Philosophical Musings - Part VIII

The Roots of Wisdom

What do you seek in this world?

Is it fame and wealth that you crave for?
Or is Happiness you seek?

Ah, the folly of False Desires!

People cherish that, which they do not need

Whilst abandoning that, which they should treasure

If so, how can they be Joyful?

If so, how can they know the Peace of Mind?

Stay a while, o’ wanderer

And listen to a verse from the Roots of Wisdom:

Peace of Mind

Men know the happiness of Fame and Position

They do not know that Obscurity and Lack of Position

Is Happiness of the Highest Truth!

Men know of the affliction of Hunger and Cold

They do not know that the Perpetual Insecurity

Of the Rich is an affliction more excessive still!