Viewing things as extensions of ourselves allows us to sense the stability of our thoughts and align our actions accordingly. This is why inward training becomes so important. How do we train our minds to follow the path we are destined to explore and grow upon? Who or what do we turn to when we realize the answers lie within us, waiting to emerge? Understanding the importance of empathy and having the wherewithal to know and live to tell a good story.
One ancient source often referenced is called “Inward Training”, which helps apply the principles of Taoist inner cultivation in a modern-day context. You don’t need to identify as a Taoist to explore its wisdom.
Often, we are constrained by our perceived knowledge, which shapes how we view ourselves in relation to others. This happens because we don’t know who we are in relation to our inner growth and development. Why we seek or cling to reverence when nothing surpasses silence and tranquility, when reverence means having a deep respect for someone or something that originates within us. For some this can mean developing or having a singleness of mind or purpose as we live day-to-day.
The key lies in learning to cultivate inner tranquility and outward reverence. In this state, we reconnect with our innate nature, discover inner peace, and attain stability. This is illustrated by the connective conjunction tying together what appears as separate but connects us with who we are, have been in the past, and are yet to become.
Sometimes when I write, I have to read what I have written several times to see if what I have written truly conveys my thoughts on the subject. It’s like all things returning to context knowing all things will change.
As we are learning to cultivate inner tranquility and outward reverence for the eternal path we travel. Leading us to ask how much of our lives are spent in “monkey mind” that matters little as though traveling down a path in circles with no beginning or ending.
What does it mean to cultivate inner peace, and how can we remain present in a way that guides us there? How can we uncover a profound sense of self-respect that radiates through our thoughts and manifests in our actions? Back in August 1995, when I wrote the entry below, my focus was on exactly what the title suggests, “Staying on Target”.
I found this in doing neighborhood master plans and much later halfway around the world while teaching in China. That there is a reverence we are all seeking and looking to find. Understanding that it starts from within us and then reaches outward to others and all things found in nature. Figuring out how to nurture and achieve it as we grow, often can become unclear along the way.
My travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Chapter Eight – Explaining Conjunctions
127. Staying on target
How can there be reasons for why things take place or do not? If you have simply become one with the swirling events around you, can the sage look back to see why events may or may not have occurred? If you are truly one with them, how can you not already know?
Will competing arguments not looking for reasons as to why things occur or do not simply cloud the issue? Could our time not be better spent perfecting skills that bring forward the definition beyond who we truly are to become? Just as Yang‑tzu tells us in the following story.
Lieh Tzu was studying archery and sought advice from Kuan‑ yin as to the proper way. Kuan‑yin asked him if he knew why he hit the target? Lieh Tzu responded that he did not. Kuan‑yin admonished him that his answer would not do. Lieh Tzu went away to practice and after three years again reported to Kuan‑yin. Kuan‑yin again asked Lieh Tzu if he knew why he hit the target with his arrow.
Lieh Tzu responded that yes, he now knew the things that make up the sport of archery, and explained:
“The bow, arrow and quiver had simply become an extension of himself. His focus and attention had become one with the energy that propelled the arrow towards the target. As no other alternative other than hitting the center of the target could enter his mind, how could the arrow not be true?”
Kuan‑yin then told Lieh Tzu that his answer would do and that he should hold onto his knowledge and not lose it.
Kuan‑yin continued:
“What you have learned not only applies to archery, but to running the state and ruling oneself. While others may look for the reasons things may or may not occur, the sage knows to look no further than himself.
Focusing on his own perfection as this will always remain reason enough. Following no rhyme or reason. Beyond the need to explain, as you concentrate only on the flight of the arrow.” 8/3/95
Number one hundred twenty-seven of one hundred fifty-eight entries.
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