Spinning of Web of Self Reflection

How do we find stability?

The world is in constant flux because relationships, health and career paths are in a constant state of transition. How does one achieve stability in an ever-changing world?

In the Buddhist tradition, there is a dharma story about Zen Master Niaoke Daolin (741-824) of the Tang Dynasty. He was known as the “bird nest master” because he practiced meditation up in a pine tree every day. One morning the famous Chinese poet Bai Juyi (772–846) paid him a visit out of admiration and exchanged the following dialogue:

He said “master, living in a tree is quite dangerous”

Daolin replied, “The way I see it, magistrate, it is you who are in great danger”

Taking offense, the poet said “I am a member of the imperial court. How can I possibly be in danger?”

Zen Master replied, “You live in a world that is unstable; people follow their own desires. How is this not dangerous?”

The poet again took offense and said “You speak the words a three year old child understands”, to which the great Daolin replied “Ah, a three year old understands it, but an eighty year old man cannot do it.”

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Putting into the superficial creates instability and risk. It opens you up to criticism and hardship.

Music and art are resilient against transition. They are noemas, and in a certain way, mantras unto themselves. To be liberated from our own desires, we must put our attention into that which is stable.

 This is where we find true humility. Humility is not a way acting; it is a way of being. It is not a way of speaking; is is what we do not speak. This is liberation. In the words of Wittgenstein, Whereof one can not speak, thereof one must be silent.