To live in the Great Way is neither easy nor difficult, but those with limited views are fearful and irresolute: the faster they hurry, the slower they go, and clinging cannot be limited: even to be attached to the idea of enlightenment is to go astray. Just let things be in their own way and there will be neither coming nor going. Obey the nature of things (your own nature), and you will walk freely and undisturbed.
Interpretation
True tranquility comes from accepting things as they are, without attachment or fear.
This quote emphasizes the importance of embracing life as it unfolds rather than being hindered by rigid views or desires. Sengcan suggests that when people cling to their expectations or rush through life, they often create obstacles for themselves. By accepting the natural flow of life and recognizing one's own true nature, individuals can find a sense of peace and liberation.
In practice
During a mindfulness seminar, a speaker might use this quote to illustrate the importance of being present.
One thing, all things: move among and intermingle, without distinction. To live in this realization is to be without anxiety about non-perfection. To live in this faith is the road to non-duality, because the non-dual is one with the trusting mind.
Return to the root and you will find the meaning.
When mind exists undisturbed in the Way, nothing in the world can offend, and when a thing can no longer offend it ceases to exist in the old way. When no discriminating thoughts arise, the old mind ceases to exist.
When thought is in bondage the truth is hidden, for everything is murky and unclear, and the burdensome practice of judging brings annoyance and weariness. What benefit can be derived from distinctions and separations?
The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences.
Step aside from all thinking, and there is nowhere you can't go.
There is nothing wrong with America that faith, love of freedom, intelligence, and energy of her citizens cannot cure.
I don't think I should accept other people's suffering because I suffered. Just the opposite, because I suffered I don't want others to suffer.
The liberty of man consists solely in this, that he obeys the laws of nature because he has himself recognized them as such, and not because they have been imposed upon him externally by any foreign will whatsoever, human or divine, collective or individual.
It is only serving God that is doing immortal work; it is only living for Christ that is living at all.
What is the foundation of that interest all men feel in Greek history, letters, art, and poetry, in all its periods, from the Heroic or Homeric age down to the domestic life of the Athenians and Spartans, four or five centuries later? What but this, that every man passes personally through a Grecian period.
If the philosophy of Christianity were lived, wars would cease, unhappiness would cease, economic problems would be solved, poverty would be wiped from the face of the earth, and man's inhumanity to man would be transmuted into a spirit of mutual helpfulness.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.