The Road to Unity
Ping Xia
Title: The Path to Unity
As with all creative arts, the most effective way to become a master is to imitate the mindset of masters—not just intellectually but emotionally as well. Or, as the following modern Zen poem puts it:
To follow the path: look to the master, follow the master, walk with the master, see through the master, become the master. — How To Become A Hacker
Respect the sages and masters who have guided me from youthful certainty to mature insight.
Gaine (盖聂)
Why the sword in your hand swings—only you can find the answer.
Linji (临济)
A solitary wheel illuminates the quiet rivers and mountains; I laugh at myself and the heavens startle.
Yixing (一行)
Dwell in this very moment, and become aware that all things seek joy and peace in ordinary life. Turn this instant into the most beautiful moment of your life.
Yangming (阳明)
This heart is bright; what more need be said?
Yinfu (阴符)
Observe the Way of Heaven, follow Heaven’s conduct, and it is complete.
Master Ni (倪师)
In my heart lies a dream, a thousand‑year inheritance I cannot escape.
A binding wind ruffles my hair; looking back, I see that I have already crossed the Yellow River.
My dream, tempered by fire, burns within me.
Dao Ye (道爷)
When a person remains ever tranquil, heaven and earth return to harmony.
Zhong Jing (仲景)
Whenever I read the records of the Yue people entering Guo for treatment, I gaze upon the count’s demeanor and cannot help but sigh at his talent.
It is strange that today’s scholars, once they set foot in the world, neglect the art of medicine, delving into formulas only to cure the ailments of nobles, rescue the poor, or preserve their own health—yet they chase fame and power, obsess over reputation, glorify the superficial and discard the essential, adorning the exterior while the interior withers.
When the skin is gone, where can the hair cling? Suddenly struck by a malignant wind, afflicted with an extraordinary disease, disaster follows and the remedy trembles; humbled, they turn to sorcerers, plead for divine rescue, and submit to defeat.
Holding a century‑long life and a precious position, they entrust everything to ordinary physicians, acting as they wish.
Alas! Their bodies perish, spirit extinguished, becoming mere remnants in the deep springs, only to weep.
How tragic! The world is in a stupor, unable to awaken, squandering lives. If they choose death, what honor is there in such power? They cannot love others nor understand people, nor love themselves nor know themselves; when disaster strikes they are lost, wandering like a soul without a body.
Sorrowful indeed—those who chase worldly vanity, neglect their roots, forget their bodies for material gain, become as precarious as ice in a valley. This is the state they fall into!
Confucius (夫子)
If Heaven had not given birth to Zhongni, the ages would be an endless night.
Instructor (教员)
Serve the people.
Some dreams, though distant, are not impossible to achieve.
A half‑acre pond opens like a mirror; heaven’s light and cloud shadows wander together.
How can the stream be so clear? Because fresh water flows from its source.
Cultivate righteous spirit, set lasting aspirations, practice the five blessings.
The song is unfinished, yet the east is already bright.
…
2024.10
Originally written by Ping Xia (平侠) and published in Chinese on 研习录 (Study Notes). Translated and adapted for DriftSeas with permission.