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.
Whatever your work and whatever its worth, No matter how strong or clever, Some one will sneer if you pause to hear, And scoff at your best endeavor. For the target art has a broad expanse, And wherever you chance to hit it, Though close be your aim to the bull's-eye fame, There are those who will never admit it.
A good maxim allows you to have the last word without even starting a conversation.
It's not to much fun to know yourself too well or think you do - everyone needs a little conceit to carry them through & past the falls.
When you practice Transcendental Meditation you are given a key to the deepest level of life.
A well-worn adage advises those who set out upon a great enterprise to count the cost, yet some of the greatest enterprises have succeeded because the people who undertook them did not count the cost.
Writing is my way of diving deep into an issue. My approach is to watch, read and listen - sometimes for years - in order to grasp the dynamics, resistance and patterns of thought that repeat and impede progress and breakthrough.
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