Author: Guan Ming
[PureInsight.org] Since I began to cultivate, my favorite book has been Zhuan
Falun. Before that, my favorite reading was Li Sao by Qu Yuan, written during
the Warring States Period of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770 BC-256 BC).
In this long poem, Qu Yuan wrote, “In the morning I left Cangwu, and by
dusk already arrived at Xianpu. After a long day’s travel, I would like
to take a rest, but I cannot since it will become dark soon. I hope time becomes
slower and does not pass by so quickly. Although the road is endless and faraway,
I still want to pursue the truth in the world.”
These words have transcended history and touched the hearts of people for thousands
of years. When I read them, a deep part of me that had been asleep for a long
time was suddenly awakened. I enlightened that one’s life, just like the
world, is full of changes. One should not just stay dormant in daily life, but
should instead actively seek the truth of the universe.
These words also demonstrate Qu Yuan’s tireless perseverance in searching
for the truth. At that time, seeing that the emperor was unable to listen to
good advice and only accepted the slanderous opinions of others, Qu Yuan was
concerned about the future of the nation. That is why he wrote Li Sao.
As an everyday person without cultivation, one will live within the cycle of
birth, aging, illness and death. When I was a student, I used to ask others:
“What is the purpose of life? What is the truth of the universe?”
Upon hearing this, many people laughed at me: “This question is meaningless
since nobody can answer it.” Some people even said that the purpose of
life is to seek pleasure and make more money through hard work. Some even think
that the more money a person has, the happier he or she will be. At that time,
although I knew one would suffer without money, I was not convinced one could
have a happy life simply because of having money. Where exactly was life from,
and where did it lead to?
This question puzzled me for a long time until the day I read Zhuan Falun:
“One should return to one’s original, true self; this is the real
purpose of being human” (Zhuan Falun, Lecture One). Master Li thus explained
the question that has puzzled many people for a long time.
There are still people who are looking for the goal and meaning of life. I
would like to tell you that if you read Zhuan Falun, you will find the universal
truth that leads everyone to the future!
Posting date: 25/July/2009
Original article date: 25/June/2009
Category: Practitioners Insight