Observations placeholder
Zhu Xi - Reflections While Reading
Identifier
016713
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
"Reflections While Reading [translation and notes by 'Red Pine' - Bill Porter (born October 3, 1943) an American author who translates under the pen-name Red Pine]
Clarity of mind and purity of heart are ideals in Confucian philosophy. In the following poem, "Reflections While Reading" - Zhu Xi illustrates this concept by comparing the mind to a mirror, left covered until needed that simply reflects the world around it, staying clear by the flowing waters symbolizing the Tao. In Chinese, the mind was sometimes called "the square inch," which is the literal translation of the term alluded to in the beginning of the poem.
A small square pond an uncovered mirror
where sunlight and clouds linger and leave
I asked how it stays so clear
it said spring water keeps flowing in
The source of the experience
Zhu XiConcepts, symbols and science items
Concepts
WaterScience Items
Activities and commonsteps
Activities
Suppressions
Contemplation and detachmentReducing and controlling emotions
Reducing desires
Reducing opportunities
Reducing threats
Squash the big I am
Suppressing memory
Suppressing obligations
Suppression of learning
Commonsteps
References
