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墨書 Inktalez
Have you ever thought about when, in this noisy and chaotic world, you most desire a moment of solitude and peace?
Is it under the starry night sky, walking alone on a quiet path, listening to the sound of your footsteps echoing in the silence?
Or is it on a certain afternoon, with sunlight filtering through the mottled leaves, casting warmth upon you, surrounded by no distractions, only the gentle breeze lightly brushing against your cheek?
The saying "small concealment in the world, great concealment in the city" may seem simple, yet it contains profound philosophy.
We often feel like ships lost in a vast ocean, constantly searching for a tranquil place where our hearts can find peace.
It is a place far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, away from the restlessness of the world, and distanced from the smoke and fire of human existence.
We often fantasize, thinking that living in the mountains will allow us to enjoy their tranquility, as if every blade of grass, every spring, and every stone can isolate us from worldly troubles.
In the morning on the mountain, mist lingers, and the songs of birds echo through the valleys—clear and ethereal, as if nature is playing a serene melody.
Living among the clouds allows us to enjoy their freedom; those pure white clouds resemble a dreamlike paradise, seemingly allowing our spirits to drift freely like clouds.
Living in trees lets us savor their coolness; dense branches and leaves act like a natural umbrella, shielding us from the scorching sun, allowing us to feel that refreshing coolness seep into our hearts.
However, little do we know that true peace is not related to where we are but rather to the tranquility we maintain within ourselves. It is that sense of ease found while picking chrysanthemums under the eastern fence, reminiscent of Tao Yuanming's retreat from political intrigue to return to pastoral life.
In that small piece of countryside, he companions with chrysanthemums daily, watching sunrises and sunsets, listening to roosters crowing and dogs barking. That sense of freedom and comfort emanates from deep within.
It is the joy of encountering blooming flowers in dreams; this joy does not stem from external splendor but rather from an inner yearning for beauty and understanding.
True tranquility does not come from the surroundings, but from within. Inner Peace is the most beautiful time. Just like in a storm, having a calm heart allows one to see a different scenery amidst the wind and rain.
Raindrops hit the window, like a Stirring Symphony, while inner tranquility lets us feel as if we are on a Tranquil Island at the center of the storm, undisturbed by the chaos outside.
Thus, deep stillness brings deep beauty.
It is a kind of beauty that cannot be described in words, like the brightest star in the night sky, shining with a unique light deep within the heart.
A person comes into this world like a lonely meteor streaking across the vast universe, not seeking noise and excitement.
People come alone and will inevitably leave alone.
I believe that humans are inherently lonely, spending their lives searching for a tranquil path to eternity.
This path is like a mysterious trail hidden in fog; some find it through inner wisdom and determination, while others lose their way in the bustling world, overwhelmed by its splendor and clamor, like trapped beasts struggling in a quagmire with no escape.
Finding tranquility does not mean distancing oneself from the world.
It is akin to a High Monk; although residing in the Pure Land of Buddhism, if one cannot let go of worldly matters in their heart, even if they distance themselves from the noise of the world,
they cannot escape the entanglements of past experiences. Those memories are like threads tangled around the heart—impossible to cut and chaotic to unravel.
Therefore, to seek the path of tranquility, one must first learn to let go. Like Master Hongyi Li Shutong, who experienced worldly splendor yet resolutely relinquished everything to enter monastic life.
He let go of fame, status, and wealth—things that are hard for ordinary people to part with—but for him, they were like fleeting clouds. His letting go was a liberation of the spirit and an important step toward tranquility.
The path to tranquility requires not only the ability to let go but also the capacity for tolerance.
Laozi said: "The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things without contention, dwelling in places that others disdain, thus it is close to the Way." In Daoist philosophy, water represents the ultimate goodness and softness; it flows gently and quietly, yet can surge powerfully.
It is like a compassionate mother, silently embracing all things in the world. In the mountains, it is a gentle stream nourishing every inch of land, treating both towering trees and tiny flowers with equal care; in rivers, it rushes forward, accommodating countless sediments and impurities without complaint, continuously flowing towards the sea. The way of life is nothing more than this.
Mr. Yang Jiang once translated a poem by British poet Rand titled "Life and Death": "I contend with no one; I disdain to contend with anyone. I love nature, and next comes art; I warm myself by the fire of life; when the fire dies down, I am ready to leave."
This embodies the supreme realm of embracing all things while being true to oneself.
Mr. Yang Jiang experienced many storms throughout her life. In that turbulent era, she faced numerous hardships but always approached the world with a tolerant heart. She did not seek fame or fortune but focused on her beloved literary translation and creation, like a flower quietly blooming, exuding a subtle fragrance, her heart filled with tranquility and serenity.
Shaw once said that there are two kinds of tragedies in life: one is unfulfilled desire, and the other is fulfilled desire.
It is like an insatiable black hole; whether one attains or does not attain leads to an inescapable predicament. Since both gaining and losing are tragedies, does that mean it is better to have no desires at all?
Humans are driven by desires, much like a ship sailing across a vast ocean; desire is the wind that fills its sails. With desire comes the impulse and passion to achieve.
However, once desires take control, it is like sails being torn by a fierce wind; the ship loses control and thus loses itself.
Our hearts must always seek a balance amidst various desires—that is to learn satisfaction and cultivate gratitude.
Just like Helen Keller, despite her disabilities, she was not consumed by her desire for health but learned to be content with what she had. With a grateful heart, she viewed everything bestowed upon her by heaven. Through her strong will and positive attitude, she became a great writer and social activist.
Whether in happiness or pain, joy or tears, since we walk through life and time, we must learn to be grateful for each day we live and embrace every sunrise and sunset wholeheartedly.
Every sunrise is a new hope given to us by nature, as the red sun slowly rises from the horizon, spreading warm sunlight across the land, dispelling darkness and bringing light. Every sunset marks the end of a day and is a moment for the soul to settle; the brilliant evening glow is like a painting in the sky, using the most beautiful colors to conclude this day.
Life is as splendid as Summer Flowers, and death is as serene as Autumn Leaves. We must believe that we are born like dazzling summer flowers, never wilting or fading, vibrant as fire.
Just like those blooming flowers in summer, they showcase the vitality of life with their brightest colors and fullest forms.
Under the scorching sun, they bloom fearlessly, attracting Bees and butterflies that dance gracefully among the blossoms.
In death, they resemble the brilliant autumn leaves, neither excessive nor chaotic, but full of grace.
When autumn arrives and leaves fall one by one, they swirl in the air as if performing their final dance before gently drifting to the ground, returning to nature's embrace—a tranquil and elegant farewell.
As we journey along, we bloom all the way, radiant yet simple. For extreme brilliance eventually returns to simplicity, just like the journey of life; after moments of glory, we will ultimately return to inner peace.
Tranquility is not merely being in a peaceful place but rather the calmness and silence of the soul. The result of life's experiences is facing grand events with a heart at peace.
Like a seasoned general who remains composed amidst the chaos of battle.
After weathering storms, we will realize that what we have been seeking for our souls is actually inner peace; peace is our ultimate destination.
It is a tranquility that remains unchanged regardless of external changes, like an unyielding lighthouse guiding us through the ocean of life.
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