Wisdom Notes (Life Philosophy Volume) - Yilin

Author: Xiaoping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: We usually don’t say, “Oh, this is where people feel at peace!” when entering someone else’s room. We don’t expect to share the tranquility of an old house, such as one in a quiet suburban area surrounded by trees bearing fresh red fruits, with cedars half-obscuring the windows; or an abbey where an orange tree with a trellis can barely be seen in front of the porch. But in that tidy, spacious, and carefully decorated room, or in that abbey, there is no tranquility to share—only a struggle to get by. This is because we fail to understand the hardships and worries in others’ lives, yet we are highly sensitive to minor inconveniences in our own. In these matters, our own eyes cannot tolerate a speck of dust, yet we turn a blind eye and are callous to the disasters suffered by our neighbors. Leisure is proven by our personal experience, as it is not merely a matter of time but often refers to a particular state of mind. The free time we speak of is actually the time when we feel at ease. What is ease? It is far more difficult to explain than to experience. It is not the same as doing nothing or loafing around, though we understand that it indeed involves the concept of free time. Waiting in a lawyer’s study may provide free time but not a sense of ease; similarly, waiting at a train station for a transfer, even for two or three hours, does not bring any enjoyment. In both cases, we do not feel at peace—such situations are rare where we can comfortably read the newspaper, study, or reminisce about our travels abroad in the past. Instead, our minds are restless, as if something is bothering us, much like how children persistently kick the soft cushions of a slow-moving four-wheeled cart. Leisure means not only having ample time but also having abundant energy to enjoy it (not understanding this can lead to boredom). At the same time, to truly savor the essence of leisure, one must engage in elegant and appropriate activities, because the activities required for leisure stem from natural inner impulses rather than forced needs, like a dancer dancing or an ice skater gliding, in harmony with their inner rhythm, unlike plowing the field or a servant running errands for reward. For this reason, all leisure is an art. But this is a challenging task. Time, ah—how swiftly it flies. We must end this leisurely talk and take action to make the most of our time—hopefully not getting caught on its monotonous wheels. The more we enjoy the fun of work, the less we experience boredom, especially if our work happens to be meaningful. Alas, too often our work today is futile. Let us beg the old man with white hair to grant us leisure and give us the joyful energy to use it. Holy one, please pray for us! P7-8