Awakening of the Spirit (36)
The Dao lies in understanding. Life itself is the Dao. The Dao is inseparable from daily life. If one discusses the Dao apart from life, it becomes abstract and mystical, talking about spirits and ghosts. This approach to the Dao is impractical. Confucius said: “Respect the spirits and gods, but keep your distance.” Confucius’s teachings on spirits and gods do not deny their existence; rather, they advocate for a mindset of reverence and fear, treating them with respect. Spirits and gods are unseen; they do not hear or touch us. The way of spirits and ghosts is illusory and profound, beyond everyday perception, not something that ordinary people can grasp.
In daily life, seeking deities and Buddha for peace of mind provides a refuge for body, mind, and spirit. Faith in deities and Buddhas does not stem from belief in their mystical powers but from admiration for their moral integrity—the spirit of compassion that benefits the world. By aligning one’s heart with the Buddha’s heart, one practices diligently; yet if one merely engages in abstract discussions to attain spiritual powers, it leads away from practical life. Those who seek to enter the realm of spirits while distancing themselves from worldly existence are often sensitive in nature but lack stability and wisdom. When feelings arise within them, they may differentiate through imagination into a world of their own making—sinking into confusion without awareness. How much can such perceptions benefit one’s life? How many obstacles or stresses can they resolve? When expressing these feelings, how many will truly accept what you perceive? This only leads to greater unease and instability—more doubts arise, burdens grow heavier.
This discourse on mysticism regarding spirits misleads both oneself and others. It represents an external pursuit of methods outside one’s own heart. Scriptures say: “The heart itself is the Dao.” Seeking the Dao apart from one’s heart leads astray. The essence of life lies in knowing one’s roots and focusing on them. When one establishes their foundation in truth, the path naturally unfolds. Returning to one’s origin begins with clarifying the heart; when the heart is clear, the Dao reveals itself naturally.