Leaves

A heart virtuous settles down and does not rush. The person of little merit is not at peace and walks making trouble and causing conflicts for others.

A good view is to see the world as a dream. Then when life is like a nightmare, you may wake and tell yourself that it is only a dream. This world we live in is like that.

Feeling then perhaps great differences between yourself and others, to bear ill will this comes from a heart that lacks compassion. Then to cover one self in compassion , there will be no coming into conflict with others.

At the Tea Ceremony my six senses are cleansed.
I see the hanging scrolls and flowers - my eyes are cleansed.
I breath in the scent of incense - my nose is cleansed.
I listen to the sound of hot water bubbling and poured with intent - my ears are cleansed.
I sip the tea - my mouth is cleansed
I sit correctly - my feelings and bodily form is cleansed
When this is done my mind follows and is cleansed.
I look to the poem on the wall, "Under the deep snows in the last village last night numerous branches of plum blossomed" - I strike the line and change this to a single branch. As a single branch contains tranquility.

There is much duality - two kinds of dispositions those who look out and those who look within, both can be noble. Yet a person lacking in one or the other can be worthless.

It is for example, like the blade of a sword, which one should sharpen well and then place in the scabbard, at times one may need to take it out for practice, care or combat. After use it is cleansed oiled and placed back in the scabbard.

The one who always has their sword out, swinging there naked blade, will be avoided by wise people and have few allies.

I walk with care, I see leaves all around me, there is life yet below, I walk with care and brush the leaves as pages of a book. I walk with care aware that there is life yet below.