The Lines
Bottom. [6] At the very beginning is the time to stop and consider the direction one is about
to take. It is in the time before a man becomes involved in all the complications and possibilities
that are thrust upon him, that he can see things clearly and disinterestedly, i.e., with
a mind that looks at things objectively and is not overridden by personal interests. If a man
carefully considers the way before him at this time, he is not likely to go wrong. If the man
sets his sight on a path that is honest and true, he will be able to identify the right path . But
halting at the beginning does not mean that he procrastinates or wanders around aimlessly.
It is essential that he begin in a timely manner and stick conscientiously to the work that lies
before him.
2. [6] If a man is working for someone else, he does not have control over his overseer.
There is a tendency for the subordinate to be swept along by whatever direction the leader
takes. Even if the leader heads down a wrong path, the subordinate cannot stop him, and,
indeed, can only with great difficult prevent himself from going down the same path. If the
leader is a strong man and determined to go ahead with the path he has chosen, there is
nothing that a subordinate can do about it. At most, he can refuse to follow him.
3. [9] When practicing quiet meditation, it is absolutely necessary that a man not try to quiet
his mind by forcing it to stop entertaining thoughts. Such rigidity can be very dangerous,
and will increase tension and anxiety, rather than decreasing them. A man must let
thoughts pass through his mind like birds flying through a belfry. He should let thoughts
come and let them go without holding onto them. He should observe them as they enter,
and as they leave, without dwelling on them and without chasing after them. When a man
does not actively pursue thoughts, when he does not use a time for meditation in order to
plan the day’s activities or to think through some interesting topic, then he will experience
an inner composure and be perfectly calm.
4. [6] Keeping the mind free of self-centered concerns and desires is the first step towards a
mind that is liberated and free to contemplate the world and the universal forces that act
upon the world. Practicing meditation leads the man in that direction. What he is able to do
in meditation, he is eventually able to do in other activities where the thinking processes are
not needed. Thus, meditation that frees the mind from the wordy thought processes helps
free the man from the dominance of self-centered ideas. Even if a man’s meditation is imperfect,
even if he is unable to carry it over into other daily activities, an approximation of
the meditative state still affords some benefits. Moreover, early attempts at practice can lead
to improved performance later on.
5. [6] Learning how to quiet the mind helps a man learn how to quiet his tongue. Often,
when a man is involved in a tense situation, he babbles on with his mouth as a result of his
nervousness. But if he can learn to relax and free his mind from anxious thoughts, he can
avoid those situations where he may chatter on, sayings things that cause him embarrassment
and later regrets. When he learns the techniques of meditation, his speech will be relaxed
and the words he deliberately chooses to speak will have greater effect.
Top. [9] When a man achieves the highest meditative skills, the tranquility of his mind pervades
his entire life and personality. He not only is able to remain calm and collected in ordinary
situations, but he has a calm acceptance of himself and every aspect of his life. This
pervasive tranquility is the mark of a superior man. His presence emanates a sense of peace,
and his calm and settled counsels bring good fortune to all who associate with him.
Please Comment, Like and Share
Leave a Reply