Friends may not share blood, but they share destiny; sometimes they are like bitter medicine but can reach your heart; they see through you yet still like you; two bodies but one heart; ask nothing of themselves, yet help friends in need; life may not allow mutual support, but emotions can; the rain has stopped, yet the umbrella still holds; the flowers have withered, yet one does not let go.
Calming the turbulent mind and resting freely in a state of peace is the meditation method called 'Shì' (Stopping); 'Guān' (Observing) is the process of realizing the mind's nature or essence. Whether practicing 'Shì' or 'Guān', the key is knowing how to place the mind, relax, open up, and act naturally. In fact, we cannot fix ourselves in a state of no thoughts. The result of meditation is not having no thoughts, but no longer being disturbed by them.
If you cannot be a great river, be a small stream; if you cannot be a towering tree, be a small wild grass; if you cannot be a heroic figure, be an ordinary person. As long as you keep flowing, growing, and striving, you can still traverse mountains and rivers, green the world, and live openly and honestly.
Every time you face oppression or criticism will serve a purpose in the future. Even if oppression is undeserved, criticism unfair, and quarrels pointless, a calm heart will ensure the passage of time remains unharmed. No suffering is in vain. Endurance itself is an extraordinary ability. Do not show off, do not quarrel, be a learned person; do not be empty or restless, be a fulfilled person; even if life runs dry, age with grace.
