The voice of success and profit

May stir the minds of worldly people,

But not this place.

In the rounds of the day,

You wear threadbare clothing

And eat simple fare.

When the mountain snow deepens,

Your thoughts

Are far from those of people.

Occasionally,

Immortals pass your door

And knock.

 

Kuan-hsiu (832-912)

 

We are all subject to the split in experiences, labeling them good or bad, successful or failure. Simplicity is actually very complicated because it transcends the positive and negative thoughts to one of integration. To be able to know what an accomplishment is and what is a disappointment as two aspects of one’s lived experience is to appreciate the simple fare and thread bare clothes as the snow deepens. The voices of success and profit become the competing desires of our intuitive capacity to be true to ourselves. The Immortals that pass by our door and knock are the people who matter to us. Their positive regard is unconditional and we respond with compassion. The journey through life is complex and uncertain. The complex simplicity of an integrated self allows us to continue to learn and love with open hearts and minds.