9 Mar 2010 @ 02:14
CYCLES
Dawn is a shimmering of the horizon.
Dusk is a settling of the sky.
Dawn and dusk together represent the measure of a day. When the sun
rises, the moon sets. When the moon rises, the sun sets. This represents
the cycle of existence, for without such alternation, the power of the
universe could not be generated. When the sun reaches its zenith, it
will inevitably begin its descent toward its nadir. All events --
including our own plans and activities -- follow the same pattern.
It is wisdom to know the cycles of life and where any particular
circumstance that we are involved in stands on the curve. If we want to
perpetuate something, we should join it to new growth to compound our
progress. If we want to destroy something, we need only lead it to its
extreme, for all things decline after their zenith.
All too often, people express uncertainty about where they stand in
life. It's important to examine both the short-range and the long-range.
If you want to go far in a decade, you have to go far each year. If you
want to go far each year, you have to make sure that you do something
significant each day. Use the cycles of life to establish a measure to
your life, and then arrange your plans according to the units that you
have chosen. Then there will be no fear of not knowing your own
progress.
365 Tao: Daily Meditations
Deng Ming-Dao
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