Lifting and Letting Go

In today’s society, problems are everywhere, precisely because our society is undergoing change. When our bodies move with the pulse of society, maintaining inner peace is a very difficult thing to do. How to find tranquility in motion requires both proper guidance and solid spiritual practice.

First, I usually categorize people into three types:

1. Unable to lift, unable to let go: Most people fall into this category. They lack responsibility, are unwilling to take on responsibilities, and crave pleasure, yet cannot let go of the pursuit of fame and fortune.

2. Able to lift, unable to let go: These individuals have responsibility, ambition, and capability. However, when it comes to letting go of acquired status and power, they struggle to do so. In the course of our lives, it is impossible to constantly ascend and succeed every year. At times, it is akin to climbing a mountain, with rough and uneven terrain, featuring both ascents and descents. Therefore, those who can only ascend and not descend will eventually experience psychological imbalance and unbearable suffering.

3. Able to lift, able to let go: These individuals possess responsibility, capability, and can bear great responsibilities with a calm heart. They can step forward as needed due to the needs of the public and the current environment. When the situation changes, they can let go without attachment, with a broader mindset, ready to embrace new developments in the next stage. Such individuals in the world who can reach this state are limited.

Next, let’s discuss the Buddhist concept of ‘lifting and letting go’

Secondly, the causal relationship from cause to effect must be acknowledged.

If one wishes to reap a harvest, one must diligently sow seeds. However, after sowing, not all seeds will bear fruit. The worldly concept of ‘good deeds bring good rewards’ is not necessarily accurate, just as a peach tree covered in blossoms may not yield a bountiful harvest of fruit. Therefore, we must be prepared mentally with the understanding that ‘sowing seeds does not guarantee the same fruits’, in order to live with equanimity.

Lastly, the impermanent nature of the relationship between gathering and dispersing must be let go

The coming together and parting of people are based on various causal relationships. With suitable conditions, good results may emerge, but the introduction of unfavorable factors during the process will lead to various unpleasant outcomes. Therefore, in one’s life, it is rare to have ‘everything go as planned’, and usually progress is made amidst enduring hardships.

I have also traversed through various hardships in my life. Whenever I face difficulties, I do not evade them, but rather seek to improve the situation. If efforts to improve prove futile, I do not immediately give up, but rather put things on hold temporarily. This is because all phenomena arise from various causes and conditions, and are not solely within the control of an individual’s diligence and will. While one must strive, one must not force outcomes. Understanding the principles of causality, one can lift when necessary and let go when it is time to release.

In conclusion, achieving anything requires the coordination of numerous factors.