Okay, Amy, I'll try. This is a tall task and may hinder someone, if
read in the microscopic fashion. These were originally written into two
volumes of text books in Chinese titled, "Characteristics of Chan". Not
only they are a bit cryptic, but also not enough examples to illustrate
each one precisely. The best to realize and witness them is to sit and
observe our existence - our interactions with nature. I will try to
translate the 600 pages into one page for your reference. Like all
sutras, please read beyond words. Please also note that these are not
seven separate characteristics. They also interact.
1. Characteristic of Motion - grows, surpasses, adapts, evolves. i.e.
we grow from kids to adults. so are plants and animals, our
relationships, our health, the planets. The state of all galaxies is a
static state of perpetual motion and interaction.
2. Characteristic of Equality. i.e. water, air, sun shine, life force,
wisdom are provided regardless. Each subsystem is equally provided with
the same from the mother system.
3. Characteristic of Balance. i.e. ying and yang, day and night, moon
and earth, left and right brain, mind body and spirit, people to people,
hot and cold, solar system. No balance, it will crash or be absorbed.
4. Characteristic of Integration. Each galaxy, each sub-system, human
groups, family is an integrated system. A comet, a third person of a
relationship, or a new employee, needs to be integrated to survive.
5. Everything possesses the same characteristics. Everything created
by nature is embedded with these same characteristics and survives
accordingly.
6. Characteristic of Peacefulness. Whether in the desert, or deep sea,
everything is peaceful and calm. When it is not, it is an alarm to survival.
7. Characteristic of Fulfillment. If it does not fulfill or
reciprocate to the environment it is in, it can not survive.
In short, these are the characteristics necessary to survive. Be
mindful of them helps us to live with ease and joy.
Do feel free to change these labels, add more or delete some, or
interpret anyway pleases you. Just avoid judgement or measurement of
its accuracy. They are not the Ten Commandments.
When any of us are in sync with the universe, all characteristics merge
into one automated response from our heart. And this is the key. If
you prefer to call "heart" our "nature", that's okay too.
Words are for reference only. Like reading sutra, avoid "attachment to
dharma". Enjoy and have fun.
JM
Head Teacher
86th Generation
Order of Chan
On 1/13/2012 8:11 AM, Amy Lemmon wrote:
I would love to have you share: "Everything in the universe functions
according to this set of principles. My teacher has identify seven of
them. If you are interested, I can share with you." Thanks!
With peace, love and kindness,
Amy Lemmon
[email protected]
Blog: Six Flower Mom <http://www.sixflowermom.com/>
