It has been asked of me many times over the years on how to live the life of Wu-Wei. It has been asked how I live my life day-to-day, moon-to-moon.

You would have received a more direct answer if you asked the tree behind me, as it lives a more perfect life in the Dao than I can ever dream of.

If you close your eyes right now and listen to the tree, you will have the answer. Think on the answer and it will vanish. See the tree and you are not asking the right question. Ask the question and you have already failed.

If you understand this, then go home. You need no more words. If you do not understand then you are thinking too hard. The words I give here describe my day. My life. But they are not my day or my life.

Capture a bumblebee as he gathers nectar and ask how he lives his life. He will sting you. Ask me again and I may hit you. This is the same.

No-mind cannot be described in character. It cannot be painted on the canvas or told to you in story. I have lectured many times on the concepts of no-mind, but in reality, the lecture is of no use. I just offer what you ask for.

We grow to recognize form. We grow to label that form. In doing so, do we become more intelligent? Do we become more awakened? Does the bumblebee have a word for you? Does it matter? Do not answer this.

Having no-mind is giving up form. Do you see the bumblebee? Do you see me? How are we different? How are we the same? I dare you to answer me!

Neither can be explained with words. Fables, stories, books; all words. They mean nothing. It is the sip of tea that is real.

And now that I have spoken on having no-mind, I will tell you of my life using words. Though no-mind is an ideal way, words are necessary to relay messages.

I am no one special. I am you and you are I. We are this tree. This tree is the Universe. And the Universe is the Dao. We are of nothingness. We are everything. And each morning I awake. I do my work and then I rest.

You ask how I do my work if I practice Wu-Wei? Doing nothing does not mean being lazy. You must be a living part of your society.

My day ends as simply as it begins. The work between the start and end of my day does not waiver. I awake five minutes before the sun each morning. I gather water from the well and heat it. As the sun kisses the horizon, I sip from my morning tea in silent meditation.

I awaken the spirit of my body with Yoga stretches. I do this to prepare my body for the day. I do this with no mind. An inflexible body is as useful as an inflexible tree. Better used as kindling.

After more silent meditation, I nourish my body with the fruits of nature. Exotic foods are not necessary. Everything you need is local to you. While partaking in nature's bounty, I find it relaxing to read from the old texts. A quote or two to ponder for the day.

With my mind and body in pure condition, I set off for my daily work or play. Work need not be tiring or monotonous to be useful. But what vocation you choose, give to it entirely. I take breaks from work to do nothing. I sit in quietness and am still.

When my work is done I think no further on it that day. It will be there for me the next time.

I find time each day to exercise the body through martial arts. Yoga for my spirit. Books for my mind. Martial Arts for my body.

I spend the evening at home and do not desire to travel to other places. I eat a simple meal and do not live to extravagance. This is the simple key.

When I read, it is for knowledge. When I sit in silence, it is for wisdom.

When I travel, I do not leave my village. When I shop, it is in local markets.

I do not have an excess of anything. Some would say I have too little. Yet each day I try to get rid of something else. I will not indulge.

I try to talk to many people each day. But never do I speak without being asked. Any word I give is true and from my heart. If I do not live it, I will not speak it.

I will welcome the richest king and the poorest beggar into my home. They may both drink from the same teacup.

When I sleep, I do not stir, for my mind is clear as a lake.

This is how I live my life. These are the words that describe my day. But they are not my day. This is not a complicated life; this is not an easy life. But it is my life.

Enjoy your life with all your heart. Wake up each morning with the sun. Go to bed each night after a full days work.

The planets will still orbit.



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