Small Matters and Big Matters

Xuefeng

In this world, there are no big matters—only small ones. No, that’s not quite right. There are no small matters either—only big ones. But truly, there are neither big matters nor small ones; there are simply matters.

Big matters are small matters, and small matters are big ones. No, that’s still not right. Big matters are simply big matters, and small matters are simply small matters. Or maybe not—big matters can turn small, and small matters can grow big.

“A thousand-mile dike collapses because of an ant hole.” So, which is greater—the dike or the hole?

“For want of a horseshoe nail, a kingdom was lost.” So, which is larger—the horseshoe or the kingdom?

Without people, there is no nation. Which is more significant—the individual or the nation?

Without seconds, there are no minutes. Which is more essential—the second or the minute?

“A tree that fills one’s arms starts from a tiny sprout; a tower of nine stories begins with a heap of earth.” Big things stem from small beginnings.

Without the solar system, there would be no Earth; without the oceans, there would be no streams. Small things come from the vast.

The heavens and the earth are immense, but never let a grain of sand enter your eye; a single grain can darken the entire world.

On a thousand-mile journey, don’t let a pebble sneak into your shoe—one small pebble can halt your long trek.

In self-cultivation, never let anyone disturb your heart. One ill-suited word, a single misaligned breath, and you’re exhausted in both body and mind.

If you can’t handle small matters well, it will be difficult to accomplish big ones. By observing small details, you can discern the larger picture; all great undertakings begin with small steps.

A leaky faucet, a loose button, a flat tire, trash at the door, a phone bill, a computer virus, an unlatched door, an upset child, a faulty fridge, a collapsing roof—all these are small matters. But if left unattended, they turn into big problems.

Self-improvement, physical training, character development, building resilience, setting ideals, solidifying faith, accumulating merit, pursuing the Tao to attain immortality—these are all significant matters. Neglecting these important things will leave life full of trivialities.

Think big, but act on the small. Set your sights on distant goals, but proceed step-by-step. People manage small matters; big matters are accomplished by the heavens. Don’t let desire consume you.

If a splinter is stuck in your flesh, remove it. If frustration builds up in your heart, release it. Sometimes allowing a small, childlike outburst can relieve stress—and might even help prevent illness.

People say, “Small impatience ruins big plans,” and “Enduring hardships builds strength.” But for those on the path of cultivation, it should be the opposite: tolerating small matters leads to big disasters. Major things can be endured, but minor ones should not be tolerated. Excessive endurance of small slights can lead one astray.

In the eyes of the inexperienced, everything appears significant; to those of great vision, everything appears small. Is building a skyscraper a big matter or a small one?

To most people, everything seems crucial. But to the enlightened, everything is minor. Is becoming a minister a big deal or a trivial one?

Treating small matters as big ones is shortsighted; treating big matters as small is far-sighted.

Seeing trivial matters as major reveals a narrow mind; treating ultimate goals as insignificant shows short-sightedness.

Life is a small matter; death is the big one. No, that’s not quite right—death is small; life is big. But life here is not the same as life there, nor is death here the same as death there.

Big matters reside in the heart; small matters are right before the eyes. Big matters lie in the distance; small matters are near.

What the eyes can see are all small matters; what the eyes cannot see are the big ones.

The virtuous handle small matters; the petty handle big ones. No, that’s still not quite right—the virtuous attend to small things; the petty pursue big ones.

Seeking techniques is minor; pursuing the Tao is major. Techniques are easy to obtain; the Tao is hard to achieve.

Pessimists amplify small matters; optimists minimize big ones.

Those frequently troubled turn every little thing into a big matter; those often joyful treat trivial matters lightly.

Household matters, national affairs, worldly concerns—all are small matters. Don’t take them too seriously. Celestial matters, Buddha’s teachings, the business of the Greatest Creator—these are significant. Don’t treat them lightly.

When there’s work to be done, I’m too busy to talk about it; but when there’s nothing going on, I find something to discuss. Today, at leisure, let’s talk about matters. Every little thing contains wisdom; understanding all matters leads to divine insight. A day free of concerns feels like being a celestial being. When matters arise, the heart responds; when they pass, the heart clears. So why fuss about whether it’s a small matter, a big matter, or something trivial?