Let Oneself Calm Down
When the heart is tranquil, even amidst myriad changes, it remains serene and undisturbed. Tranquility lies within the heart, not in external circumstances. The greatest cultivation in life is to find inner peace. A tranquil mind is not only the secret to personal happiness and freedom but also a form of self-cultivation that allows one to improve oneself. When one’s mind is sufficiently calm, even amidst the ever-changing and unpredictable external world, the inner self remains composed and serene. In this way, one truly achieves spiritual introspection, internal resilience, and lives the rest of their life with greater equanimity, tranquility, and contentment.
The Power of Tranquility
Tranquility is a capability that generates energy. The world is a reflection, and our inner world is the source of that projection. Many times, people understand the need for inner peace but struggle to achieve it. However, achieving tranquility is not difficult if one can maintain emotional stability and a healthy mindset. Remind yourself not to be anxious, not to dwell on things, not to overthink, and not to get agitated. In essence, flow like a stream, calmly and naturally. The inability to find inner peace often stems from excessive distractions and strong desires. Like a drop of water in a river, always eager to reach the sea, the impatience to achieve immediate results is unrealistic. Everything in this world operates based on cause and effect; one cannot simply obtain what they desire instantly. Desire is a form of want, and greed is an even stronger form of desire. Since these are desires, it implies that something is lacking. The more urgently one seeks fulfillment, the less likely they are to find it. As Laozi said, “Tranquility overcomes frenzy, coldness overcomes heat. Clarity and tranquility are the norm beneath the heavens.” By calming the mind, one frees themselves from the constraints of external fame and gain, and from the influence of inner desires. Then, gradually, one can open up, understand, and let go. At this point, one can truly learn to adapt to circumstances and live in the state they desire.
Tranquility as a Lifelong Practice
The purpose of human cultivation is ultimately to find inner peace. Indeed, a tranquil mind brings inner peace, stability, and a genuine understanding of life. Just as Tao Yuanming sought an ideal life by disengaging from worldly entanglements and internal conflicts, he learned to find tranquility, seeking a secluded dwelling, building a thatched hut, cultivating fields, and tending fences. In such a quiet living environment, a few pots of wine and simple dishes are enough to soothe his restless heart. The “Great Learning” states, “Only when calm can one be at peace, only when at peace can one be deliberate, only when deliberate can one be successful.” When a person can return to the most authentic state of all things—tranquility—they can experience life’s serenity and the leisure of time. Ultimately, a tranquil soul and a composed mind enable one to clearly hear the voice within. In this way, by being tranquil and slowing down, one can see the world in its most genuine and authentic form. The Confucian work “Conversations at the Hearth” says, “A still heart brings clarity, and only still water can reflect objects.” When a person’s mind is sufficiently calm, it is a particularly wonderful feeling. They can face life’s changes and evolutions with composure, stability, and a sense of security, without feeling restless or agitated.
The Greatest Cultivation: Tranquility
An ancient saying goes: “When the heart is stirred, everything is in motion; when the heart is tranquil, everything is still.”
The greatest cultivation for a person, the most powerful practice, is to find inner peace. After experiencing the ups and downs of life, one will truly realize that inner composure and tranquility are the greatest sources of happiness and blessings. Throughout one’s life, there will be storms and hardships. However, without a doubt, these are temporary and will eventually pass, much like the passionate and ignorant years of youth. As one ages, the desire for a peaceful abode grows stronger, a place where one can retreat from disturbances, cease from turmoil, and refrain from unnecessary activities. Instead, one returns to the quiet sanctuary within, allowing the mind to breathe freely and the soul to rest. By finding inner peace, and then finding it again, one can truly embody a state of equanimity and live the best life possible.
