The Nature of Spirit
Posted by Ken Lauher
Like essence and energy, spirit has its pristine primordial and its conditioned temporal aspects. Primordial spirit, also known as the 'mind of the Tao', is the original source of all consciousness, the flame of primal awareness that lights up the mind. It is eternal, indestructible, and immortal, but soon after birth it becomes dormant through social conditioning and the constant distractions of temporal life.
As primordial spirit becomes shrouded with layer upon layer of self-woven egohood, it disappears from conscious awareness, and the primal unity of the Three Treasures is torn asunder. Spirit loses its rightful command over energy, which the body instead commandeers for its own sensual gratification and sensory entertainment. Unfettered by spirit, emotions run rampant and random thoughts clutter the mind, further obscuring awareness.
Like a leaf in the wind, the temporal mind is blown to and fro by the vagaries of external events, while the body's energies are plundered and dissipated by the Five Thieves of the senses. Small wonder that the body, 'when not guided by spirit, wanders down the path to death'.
The original mind of Tao is like an immaculately clean mirror, clearly reflecting everything towards which it turns its attention. The human mind, by contrast, is like a dirty mirror, bespecked with the dust of greed and lust, smudged with the grime of conflicting emotions, streaked with the haze of conditioned thoughts.
The process whereby one recovers the original mind of Tao and restores primordial awareness is called 'polishing the mirror'. This is an introspective process by which one gradually clears away the emotional obstructions, mental obscurations, and physical defilements accumulated since birth, so that the original mind of Tao may once again shine forth and reflect the world as it really is.
This introspective process of clarifying the mind goes beyond words, arguments, and theories. It can be achieved only by practice, not by study; only by 'letting go' rather than 'holding on' to thoughts and ideas; only by integration of conflicting views, not by sectarian differences; only by realization, never by rationalization.
As Lao-tzu disclaimed in the opening line of the Tso Teh Ching: 'The way which can be spoken is not the real Way.' The sage Lu Tung-pin agrees: 'Words are not true explanations of the Tao. When you have realized the Tao personally, you can dispense with words.'
That is why true adepts of the Tao shun sectarian debates and doctrinaire arguments. The 'real way' is not divided by sects and doctrines, for a path that's divided leads nowhere. It is most important to guard against charlatans and imposters in the Tao. In Vitality, Energy, Spirit, Thomas Cleary translates Lu Tung-pin's remarks on this issue as follows:
The mind that understands the Way is entirely impartial and truthful. But because Taoist tradition has gone on so long, personalistic degenerations have cropped up. People attack one another and establish factions of supporters; they call themselves guardians of the Way, but they are really in it for their own sakes.
When you look into their motivations, you find they are all outsiders. People like this are rot in Confucianism, bandits in Taoism, troublemakers in Buddhism. They are confused and obsessed.
-
The Complete Book of Chinese Health & Healing by Daniel Reid
If I had to think of an easy way to help you get started and learn EXACTLY how to create attraction fast with Feng Shui… I would tell you to go check out my eBook “Feng Shui Secrets: What Everyone Should Know About How To Be Successful With Feng Shui.”
You can learn the BASIC of how to create attraction of money, love and career success and I also share with you some great ideas for inexpensive or free ways to implement Feng Shui, no interior design or expensive decorating required. Go get more information here:
Feng Shui Secrets Free Trial ==========
FREE Feng Shui Training For Attracting Money, Love and Inner PeaceEnter your name and email below to get instant access to Feng Shui tips that will help you attract more money, love and inner peace in your life.
