Tag: taoism

The path of inner refinement is extremely simple and easy

Bai Yuzhan said, “The path of inner refinement is extremely simple and easy; just get the fire of the heart to descend into the elixir field. The elixir field is the chamber of water, while the heart is fire. When fire enters water, then water and fire mix and true yang is produced. Therefore people… Continue reading The path of inner refinement is extremely simple and easy

The Three Precepts

1. Simplifying involvements 2. Not craving anything 3. Queiting the mind “If people can empty their minds and contrive nothing, it is not that they want the Way, but the Way spontaneously reverts to them”. Reference: Treatise on sitting forgetting from Taoist Meditation by Thomas Cleary p. 102

The Lost Axe

Once upon a time there was a craftsman who lost his Axe. He thought hard, and finally suspected his neighbor of stealing it. When he saw his neighbor walking, he thought that he walked like an Axe thief. When he meet his neighbor, the others countenance was just like that of an Axe thief, and… Continue reading The Lost Axe

The Master of Demon Valley

The world has no constant values, events has no constant guide. When others act, I am still; When others talk I listen. If you know your nature, you’ll have few troubles; if you know your destiny, you won’t worry. Reference: Alchemists, Mediums, and Magicians: Stories of Taoist Mystics by Thomas Cleary ISBN: 9781590306598 p. 14

Cutting Up An Ox

Cook Ting was cutting an ox after a sacrifice to be used as food for Lord Wen of Hui. At every touch of the hand, every heave of the shoulder, every move of the feet, every bend of the knee, he slipped the knife along effortlessly and all was in perfect rhythm as though he… Continue reading Cutting Up An Ox

The ego is a monkey

The ego is a monkey catapulting through the jungle: Totally fascinated by the realm of the senses, it swings from one desire to the next, one conflict to the next, one self-centered idea to the next. If you threaten it, it actually fears for its life. Let this monkey go. Let the senses go. Let… Continue reading The ego is a monkey

Give up learning and put an end to your troubles

Is there a difference between yes and no? Is there a difference between good and evil? Must I fear what others fear? What nonsense! Other people are contented, enjoying the sacrificial feast of the ox. In spring some go to the park, and climb the terrace, But I alone am drifting, not knowing where I… Continue reading Give up learning and put an end to your troubles