Unshakable and Following One's Nature

Xuefeng

The ultimate truth of the universe remains unshakable and unchanged for all eternity; yet, all phenomena in the universe move in accordance with their nature, as they have done for eons.

The Way (Tao) is like the void: unmoving and unchanged through the ages. Yet, the profound truths of Zen adapt to the moment, always flowing with the present.

Reverence for the Greatest Creator remains unshakable, regardless of how time changes, how complex the world becomes, or whether one finds themselves in favorable or adverse circumstances, in heaven or hell.

Reverence for LIFE remains unshakable, as all living beings arise from the same source. With empathy and compassion, we share in the joys and sorrows of all living creatures.

Reverence for nature remains unshakable, as the sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers, plants, animals, and insects all possess a spirit that sustains our lives.

Filial piety toward parents remains unshakable, for their nurturing love is as vast as the sky and the earth. Whether you are close by or far away, in times of prosperity or hardship, their love endures.

Adherence to laws and regulations remains unshakable, as they uphold order, reward goodness, and punish evil. A good citizen respects the laws of the land.

Loving others as yourself remains unshakable, as taught by Jesus, Buddha, Laozi, and other wise sages: we are to love others as we love ourselves.

Enjoying affection remains constant, whether between rulers and subjects, parents and children, spouses, lovers, siblings, or friends. Love, like water and flowers, is graceful and flowing.

Enjoying sexual love remains constant, a divine and ecstatic gift. It is natural to love one another—this is heaven's law.

Refining one’s character remains unshakable, as there are 18 levels of human quality, each offering a different life experience. One should constantly strive to enhance their character.

Perfecting one's LIFE remains unshakable. People evolve from ignorance, worldliness, and mortality to becoming sages, land celestials, deity celestials, Super Celestial Beings, and even gods or Buddhas. Continuous self-improvement leads to higher levels of existence.

The universe is filled with a boundless heart, and all beings move in accordance with the Way. Like a drop of water in the sea or a cloud in the sky, everything is precisely placed by the Way. To follow the Way, rely on intuition. True wisdom may appear foolish, and true intelligence is formless. Do not depend on experience or reason—logical deductions will fail, and scientific experiments cannot prove everything. Instead, follow your nature.

At a crossroads, follow your nature. Do not rely on intellect; listen to the guidance of your inner spirit.

When facing a dead end, follow your nature. Let your heart guide you—whether to go up, down, left, or right. The best solution may be to abandon rational thought.

In matters of success and failure, follow your nature. Blessings may hide within misfortune, and misfortune within blessings. The Greatest Creator’s arrangements are always in your best interest.

When choosing a career, follow your nature. What comes most easily is the most precious. What flows naturally is meant for you.

At the ends of the earth, follow your nature. Take a plane if it comes, a carriage if it comes. Root yourself wherever the wind blows and blossom there.

At the moment of life and death, follow your nature. The Way’s arrangements are perfect, without error. The more you struggle, the more you suffer.

In adversity, follow your nature. The Way rewards and punishes clearly—do not force yourself to exceed your limits.

When confronting evil, follow your nature. Whether to fight or retreat like a turtle, listen to the voice of your spirit. Do not be led by anger or hatred.

When facing the opposite sex, follow your nature. Attraction or repulsion arises naturally, and your body and mind will react accordingly.

In advancing or retreating, follow your nature. Advancing in the wrong direction takes you further from the truth, while retreating in the right direction returns you to your true nature. Whether to advance or retreat, follow your nature.

In matters of eating, drinking, and bodily needs, follow your nature. Whether sour, sweet, bitter, or spicy; vegetarian or meat, smoke or drink, embrace whatever comes naturally without force.

In preferences and dislikes, follow your nature. Bees make honey, mice dig burrows—just as humans exist at different levels: ignorant, worldly, mortal, or wise. Respect your nature and follow the Way.

At birth, our nature is set—height, beauty, and talent are already determined. Birds fly in the sky, fish swim in the water. Lose your sense of place, and you may fall into madness. Do not envy the talented or covet the wealthy. Tend to your own field and live freely. Do not cling to possessions or dominate others; enjoy bodily and spiritual freedom on the path to immortality. Eat fruit when you desire, visit relatives when you wish. Travel with the wind; retreat against it. Mind your own affairs and don’t meddle in others’. Go with the flow, adapt to fate, follow your nature, and act according to circumstances. Eat ripe peaches when they fall, taste apricots when they are ready—forced fruit is never sweet, and forced paths are never smooth.

In the quest to attain immortality, remain unshakable. Slowly but surely, water cuts through stone, and every drop has an effect. The divine eye is like lightning, and when the time comes, things will naturally come to fruition.

In daily life, follow your nature. Be lively and flexible, revealing the universe's boundless vitality. Do not stubbornly cling to the past or outdated rules. Mountains move, rivers flow, and life thrives on movement. The pursuit and realization of the Way depend on fluidity. There are no fixed methods or forms. In the endless change lies boundless joy.