Calming the surging thoughts within the mind and resting in a peaceful state is a form of meditation known as “śamatha” (stopping); “vipaśyanā” (insight) refers to the process of realizing the nature or essence of the mind. Whether practicing “stopping” or “insight,” the most important thing is to learn how to settle the mind—remaining relaxed, open, and natural. We cannot truly fix ourselves in a state of no thoughts. The essence of meditation is not the absence of thoughts, but freedom from being disturbed by them.
There is an excuse called youth, which makes us fail to cherish time, love, and everything that is hard-won. There is a feeling called missing out—missing love, missing the one we could have stayed with, missing unforgettable bonds. There is a loneliness called longing, longing for a person, a memory, or a moment of encounter.
With a calm attitude toward money, life becomes more at ease. In reality, many things cannot be done without money, but wealth is meaningless if not used properly. As Tolstoy said: wealth is like filth—when accumulated it stinks, but when spread out it nourishes the land.
Some love ends in failure, either because of the helplessness of not being together or the weariness after being together. Yet helplessness leaves lasting nostalgia, while weariness sparks new pursuit—this too may be another form of love’s fulfillment.
I do not know whether, in the cool and crystal rain, there is a drop falling for me; whether, among the beautiful roses, there is a petal that belongs to me; whether, in the gentle breeze, there is a whisper meant only for me.
I still want to collect seashells, choosing the most beautiful one, tying it with a red string and wearing it around my neck so it bounces against my chest as I walk. The rest I could turn into wind chimes. If you behave well, I might even give you a string of them. I will try my best to make them not too ugly.
