Equanimity is the Way. When we view extraordinary events with an ordinary mind, everything becomes ordinary. Holding this ordinary mind, we are not seduced by vanity, confused by power, moved by money, or dazzled by beauty; we do not sink into the illusion of all worldly glory. We do not rejoice in external gains nor grieve over personal losses. We see through fame and status, look through success and failure, and understand the nature of praise and blame. At all times, we are unobstructed; everywhere, we are at ease. Unmoved by honor or disgrace, we watch the flowers bloom and fall before the courtyard; unconcerned with coming or going, we gaze at the clouds rolling and unfolding in the sky.
In recent years, the greatest wisdom I have learned is silence. When faced with harsh words or doubts, I know that they cannot truly take anything away from me. My family, friends, and work are not shaken by external forces. Therefore, even when I could shout, speak, or stand on my own side to defend myself, I ultimately chose silence, trusting that time will reveal the cause and effect. This causality is not a judgment from heaven, but the result we must enjoy and bear when we make choices between good and evil.
The great wisdom of life can be summarized in just six characters: pick up what you must, let go of what you can. Pick up when the time is right; let go when the situation demands it. In this world, many smart people become mediocre because they hesitate too much when they should act, missing opportunities; or they cling too long when they should let go, becoming trapped. When it is time to let go, do not force yourself to hold on; when it is time to pick up, do not easily give up. The former determines how lightly you live, while the latter determines how far you can go.
Only through giving can there be a return. Understanding the value of giving allows us to view harvests correctly and find inner peace. The more we give, the greater the harvest. Only by giving can we truly gain. There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world; everyone must abandon the idea of reaping without sowing. Only diligence can change destiny.
