People may sit till the cushion is worn through
by Lu Tung PinEnglish version by T. C. Lai
Original Language Chinese
People may sit till the cushion is worn through,
But never quite know the real Truth:
Let me tell about the ultimate Tao:
It is here, enshrined within us.
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Simple and direct. These few lines say so much, lines that should make the self-consciously pious squirm in their seats.
When Lu Tung Pin asserts--
People may sit till the cushion is worn through,
But never quite know the real Truth:
--he is saying one can do marathon meditations but never attain realization. He isn't being critical of meditation itself; he is saying that simply following the forms, the traditions, the spiritual practices set out for us won't do the job. In other words, following the rules won't get us into heaven.
The task isn't accomplished through effort or iron will. The game isn't won through agility or perfect strategy. The great masters of the Tao know:
It is here, enshrined within us.
Truth, the ultimate Tao, is not earned; it bursts forth from your breast.
So, sit, yes. (Or pray, or chant, or bow.) But find the secret that unlocks the way within you...
Recommended Books: Lu Tung Pin
