To live in the Great Way is neither easy nor difficult, but those with limited views are fearful and irresolute: the faster they hurry, the slower they go, and clinging cannot be limited: even to be attached to the idea of enlightenment is to go astray. Just let things be in their own way and there will be neither coming nor going. Obey the nature of things (your own nature), and you will walk freely and undisturbed.
Interpretation
True tranquility comes from accepting things as they are, without attachment or fear.
This quote emphasizes the importance of embracing life as it unfolds rather than being hindered by rigid views or desires. Sengcan suggests that when people cling to their expectations or rush through life, they often create obstacles for themselves. By accepting the natural flow of life and recognizing one's own true nature, individuals can find a sense of peace and liberation.
In practice
During a mindfulness seminar, a speaker might use this quote to illustrate the importance of being present.
One thing, all things: move among and intermingle, without distinction. To live in this realization is to be without anxiety about non-perfection. To live in this faith is the road to non-duality, because the non-dual is one with the trusting mind.
Return to the root and you will find the meaning.
When mind exists undisturbed in the Way, nothing in the world can offend, and when a thing can no longer offend it ceases to exist in the old way. When no discriminating thoughts arise, the old mind ceases to exist.
When thought is in bondage the truth is hidden, for everything is murky and unclear, and the burdensome practice of judging brings annoyance and weariness. What benefit can be derived from distinctions and separations?
The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences.
Step aside from all thinking, and there is nowhere you can't go.
America is said to have the highest per capita boredom of any spot on earth! We know that because we have the greatest number of artificial amusements of any country. People have become so empty that they can't even entertain themselves. They have to pay other people to amuse them, to make then laugh, to try to make them feel warm and happy and comfortable for a few minutes, to try to lose that awful, frightening, hollow feeling-that terrible, dreaded feeling of being lost and alone.
People have this obsession. They want you to be like you were in 1969. They want you to, because otherwise their youth goes with you. It's very selfish, but it's understandable.
Progress just means bad things happen faster.
If you spend enough time around something like baboons, you start to look at humans differently.
The appreciation of pleasure can be the anchor of humanity.
Duty and dereliction guide thee back to solitude.
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