Love is like sand in one's hand; the tighter one grips it, the more it slips through the fingers. Emotion is like the moon reflected in water; attempting to scoop it up only makes it feel more illusory. The mortal world is like a flower in a mirror; after a few cycles of blooming and withering, it all fades into a mist of water and clouds.
Life is like a grand stage. Facing difficulties is not necessarily the most painful moment, nor does loneliness necessarily preclude happiness. It is essential to maintain a pure and tranquil heart. Only by constantly purifying one's body and mind, transforming one's temperament, and continuously repenting and reflecting to correct bad habits and flaws can one sustain long-term inner peace.
For one who sincerely cultivates the Way, whether one lives as a monk or in secular life is not critical. What matters is having the Bodhisattva heart that seeks to save all sentient beings, which is essentially love and responsibility toward society. Sometimes, silence is truly a blessing, allowing one to pretend that they know nothing. Even if one's mind is clear as a mirror, knowing the dangers of speaking too much, it is even more important to not voice such aversion or let it show in one's expression. Thus, using silence to prevent trouble is wiser than speaking excessively.
