Step aside from all thinking, and there is nowhere you can't go.
Interpretation
Letting go of rigid thoughts opens up limitless possibilities.
This quote by Sengcan emphasizes the importance of freeing oneself from restrictive thinking patterns. By stepping aside from conventional thought processes, individuals can explore new opportunities and perspectives, allowing for personal growth and a deeper understanding of existence.
In practice
During a meditation retreat, this quote can inspire participants to let go of their thoughts.
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.
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.
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.
Proper effort is not the effort to make something particular happen. It is the effort to be aware and awake each moment, the effort to overcome laziness and merit, the effort to make each activity of our day meditation.
Lack of confidence is what makes you want to change somebody else's mind. When you're OK, you don't need to convince anyone else in order to empower yourself.
If you want people to think out of the box, you shouldn't create the box in the first place.
If they know nothing of victory, they are at least spared the knowledge of defeat.
To understand is to perceive patterns.
He who is able to conquer others is powerful; he who is able to conquer himself is more powerful.
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