The Matter of Light and Shadow Gate
In life, you will always encounter some people
who will tell you: I can see ghosts, I can see deities, or I can sense certain things about you.
I can hear their instructions, so you should do this and that… otherwise, it will be bad.
There is a wonderful exchange between Master Sheng Yen and a seeker of answers.
The seeker said: For nearly twenty years, whenever I do anything, ghosts or deities come to show me beforehand, and they are incredibly accurate, making it hard for me not to believe.
However, I live in great misfortune and pain (the torment of carrying a destiny? A common blind spot).
Master Sheng Yen replied: Don’t listen to them; come back to the human world. Don’t become a ghost before you’ve even died.
Confucius said: Respect the ghosts and deities but stay away from them. They do exist, and what they say may be correct,
but many people live happily without any ghosts or deities telling them anything.
And you have the help of ghosts and deities yet live in suffering; what is the point of that?
The seeker said: But if I don’t listen to them, I will be unlucky.
Master Sheng Yen said: You are already unlucky by listening to them; if you don’t listen to them, at most you’ll just be unlucky.
Indeed, being unlucky while listening is still being unlucky; not listening will at most just lead to being unlucky…
Shouldn’t our attitude towards life be like this? Why fear blindly following the unseen?
Understanding what you want and taking responsibility for your own life is the best attitude towards your own existence.
So-called cultivation should not merely be about strengthening your body and soul,
having an indomitable will, fostering good relationships with others,
clear thinking, doing your part well, being willing to help others without counting on returns,
maintaining right thoughts and intentions while following the natural flow of heaven and earth’s five elements,
embracing nature itself—living each day with a calm, stable, joyful heart is the best form of self-cultivation.
by- Yin Shi