Peace of Mind, Health of Body

“Free from illness, free from worries, and the spring birds sing.”Throughout one’s life, as one busies oneself, eventually one will realize that true happiness and freedom come not from wealth and power, but from being physically healthy and mentally untroubled.

A Healthy Body Lightens the Spirit

There is a saying: “A healthy body lightens the spirit.” Those who have experienced a serious illness understand this deeply.

During one’s prime, when youthful and full of vigor, one freely exerts their vitality. However, as one enters old age and the body begins to decline, they come to understand that true happiness lies in being free from illness.

The ancients also had an elegant saying, “With clear lakes and bright moons remaining, one need not worry about finding a place to cast a golden hook,” expressing the same sentiment. The capital for making a comeback is having a healthy body that can withstand the trials.So remember: “Having good health is better than having anything else.” Health is treasure; everything else is extraneous.

Health is a Simple Way of Life

Yi Shu once said, “My destination is health and talent.” Therefore, do not let the future you resent the present you, who only focuses on striving but overextends their health.

The Tang Dynasty poet Luo Yin wrote: “When you gain, sing loudly; when you lose, rest.”

Life has its ups and downs. When one is successful, they have many friends, social engagements, and banquets. When enjoying success, amid the glamour and revelry, who has the mind to consider a healthy lifestyle? Thus, we may possess material pleasures but lack the capacity to enjoy them.It is at this point that one truly understands: health is the capital of life.

A Peaceful Mind is a Noble Character
Having a peaceful mind means being free from mental burdens.

The Song Dynasty Zen master Fayen once said:”When the mind is leisurely, everywhere is leisurely; do not confine oneself to the city or the mountains.
Worldly matters and fame are all like a dream, when viewed with a clear eye, it’s just a fleeting moment.”

Those who live burdened carry things they dislike in their hearts. Even more burdened are those who carry the concerns of tomorrow today. Then there are those who are beyond redemption, carrying many things they shouldn’t.

Therefore, “having a peaceful mind” does not mean being indifferent to everything, but rather not letting the trivial matters of life conquer the heart. It means maintaining a calm mind and a free spirit amidst the hustle and bustle.

A Peaceful Mind is a Leisurely Way of Life
Leisure is not laziness, but composure. With contemplation, not losing oneself in the busyness of life, forgetting to savor the true flavor of life and grasp its essence.

Lin Yutang said:”The ideal person for enjoying life is someone who is enthusiastic, leisurely, and fearless.”

Having a peaceful mind means living well in the present

Ancient wisdom says, “A peaceful mind makes a wide bed.”The Tang Dynasty monk Wumen Huikai once advised people to achieve a peaceful mind, believing that this is the key to living with a relaxed and natural state of mind. He wrote:”In spring, there are hundreds of flowers; in autumn, there is the moon. In summer, there is a cool breeze; in winter, there is snow. If one’s mind is free from worries, then every season is a good time.”

Regardless of the changes in the world, as long as our inner selves remain undisturbed by external circumstances, maintaining an optimistic and carefree attitude, then neither honor nor disgrace, right or wrong, gain or loss can sway us. The inner world is boundless and expansive.

Having a peaceful mind is actually a serene state of mind, a composed way of life.

The past cannot be undone, and regrets are futile. The future cannot be predicted or controlled, so making various plans prematurely for the future is difficult to align with one’s wishes. Only by embracing the present moment can one have a beautiful future.

Therefore, when you no longer sigh and find life tasteless due to past regrets or future worries, you can have a peaceful and joyful heart. Throughout one’s life, one often encounters various setbacks and troubles. A life without any setbacks is nonexistent.

In the process of growing, one may encounter various life difficulties such as romantic disappointments, the pain of losing loved ones, unfulfilled talents, and the sorrow of parting. These troubling matters often make it difficult for one to be carefree.

Do not seek in vain, do not be preoccupied with unrealistic desires. Live in the present, without regretting the past and without being anxious about the future. When encountering slander from others, learn to endure and forgive, and do not dwell on personal grievances and losses.