Constantly Dying, Constantly Reborn

Xuefeng

March 3, 2010

The old must fade for the new to emerge; If yesterday doesn’t fade, today won’t dawn. If winter doesn’t die, spring won’t arrive. If the past isn’t gone, the future won’t emerge.

Without transcending the human heart, celestial nature cannot be attained. Without ending worldly attachments, entry to celestial realms is blocked. Without crossing high mountains, the distant view remains hidden. Without leaving the well’s depths, the blue sky remains unseen.

Without closing one door, nine others cannot open. Without releasing one attachment, another true love cannot be embraced. Without shedding burdens, the journey cannot extend farther. Without changing one viewpoint, new horizons cannot unfold.

If the old way of living doesn’t die, the joy of a new life cannot be savored. If marriage and family don’t dissolve, the warmth of the Second Home cannot be felt. If the old house isn’t demolished, there is no room for a new villa. If old thoughts and ideas don’t die, fresh and brilliant thoughts cannot arise.

Life is like a chess game, with each move offering new opportunities. New charms always replace the old. The peach blossoms still smile at the spring breeze, yet familiar faces have moved on. Clinging to outdated systems leads to stagnation; chaos and disorder run rampant. Without shedding ego and personal views, one becomes like deadwood, impossible to shape.

As the waves of the Yangtze River push one another forward, newcomers replace the old. Beside the sunken boats, a thousand sails pass; around the sick trees, thousands of fresh ones bloom. Clinging to the stronghold of Jingzhou is a path to defeat. Crying to the heavens is futile. Ignoring the wisdom of today’s sages leads to lifelong regret and endless remorse.

Die to yesterday’s self to create today’s self. Die to today’s self to embrace tomorrow’s self. Die to the trivial and mundane to enjoy inner peace and bliss. Die to rigid customs and habits to seek the path of the sages.

All things are but games; only life itself is real. To play a new game, the old one must end. To enjoy fresh food, clear away the remnants of the old. To wear new clothes, discard the worn-out ones.

Constantly dying, constantly reborn. Constantly surpassing, constantly innovating. Return to the innocence of infancy to live long and boundlessly. Return to your origin and follow your heart’s true desires.