Awakening of Spiritual Awareness (18)
Cultivation. Where to begin? External learning and internal cultivation. External learning involves understanding the principles taught by ancient sages and wise individuals. The ancients explored the workings of heaven and earth, delving into the principles of the universe and the changes in human life. This knowledge has been accumulated and passed down through generations, remaining unchanged over time.
It is a continuous presence in the world, referred to as sacred knowledge. It is impossible for a person to come into this world without learning and fully understanding the principles of heaven, earth, and all things. One must go through continuous learning and experiences, gradually accumulating knowledge that often remains only partial and superficial. True understanding requires time, energy, and mental effort—limitations inherent to humans. Confucius said: “I am not one who was born with knowledge; I love antiquity and am diligent in seeking it.” The most straightforward path is to draw upon the wisdom and experiences of our ancestors by reading the works of sages. We should model ourselves after exemplary figures from both ancient and modern times, practicing their virtuous methods in our lives. By experiencing these teachings in daily life, we can achieve twice the result with half the effort, leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves without obstruction.
Internal cultivation focuses on refining one’s character through action. The essence lies in practice—cultivating oneself and nurturing one’s nature begins within oneself rather than elsewhere. One should strive to be good rather than bad, resolving past karmic debts without creating new misfortunes. By fulfilling one’s duties sincerely, one naturally attains personal growth. Zen teachings emphasize direct engagement with one’s heart; one should constantly observe their own mind. In motion, where is stillness? The difficulty arises from our thoughts; we often seek complexity when simplicity suffices. Approach matters with straightforwardness and ease—be at peace regardless of where you are situated; reach a state of non-attachment that is as vast as emptiness itself—tranquil and effortless.
There are no high or low laws; it is about recognizing the transformations of the mind. Law is essentially an expression of the mind’s function. There are two forces in practice: self-power and other-power. Self-power refers to self-cultivation, self-realization, self-verification—understanding oneself deeply through personal experience while putting theory into practice step by step with tangible actions. Other-power involves guidance from deities or enlightened beings; those who have begun awakening their spiritual awareness often experience this phenomenon—a subtle force guiding them along their path toward cultivation: be it Taoism, Shintoism, Buddhism, spiritual paths or sacred ways—each enters according to individual circumstances without distinction between good or bad influences. While guidance from other-power may be beneficial in the short term, ultimately one must rely on self-power for true cultivation and realization so as not to lose oneself along the way.
If one relies too long on external guidance without cultivating self-awareness or wisdom independently—their fortune may dwindle while they remain confused amidst illusions or distractions—it becomes difficult for them to discern reality from fantasy as many become trapped in this cycle unable to extricate themselves due solely relying on external forces for direction; they may speak immediately about how such-and-such indicates external power’s instruction on how they ought to act without realizing that true practice requires facing oneself directly while living life entails personal responsibility—who else can bear your burdens but yourself? How can external forces take responsibility for your life? If one suddenly awakens after being lost for some time away from these influences—they can still revive their innate wisdom before it’s too late! Be cautious! Be cautious!