To be able to realize our own ignorance is to be wise. Some people say that they know a lot and they are good at poetry, literature and art. But the wise may say, in fact they know is just a smattering of everything. I have met people in the spiritual field claiming that there is nothing to learn in Tao. The sage does not have this fault because he steers clear of such a fault and he knows he can never stop learning.

My Heavenly Master said, "Being in the midst of the heavens and the earth, Man must not regard oneself as unsurpassed and superior to others, or consider oneself as the center of everything. This is the so-called: There are heavens exterior to a heaven; there are Men exterior to a man. You should understand that you are just a grain in a vast sea, just a grain of sand. Then, within this sand-territory of the Ganges (the entire universe), the roles that you must play are just a matter of several decades. When you have finished with singing this opera, where are you moving house again? This is uncertain. You must be far-sighted, be very sure that you don't get attached to the beautiful scenes before your eyes and that year after year, you spend the time only in serving your own interests; only serving your own happiness!

Take a look at your national heroes, the idols within your hearts. These heroes could be so peerless in their martial skills and become everyone's idols. They can make so many people fall with one kick. But could they conquer 'impermanence'? No, they couldn't. Instead, they were fallen by just a gentle kick from impermanence. Hence, no matter how adaptable people are; no matter how high and unsurpassed their wisdom is, they cannot fight against a gentle blow from the impermanence. When 'Yama' (underworld guardian angel) sends the blank paper over (issue an order), mustn't people let go what their hands have grasped and leave the human world?"

Nobody can escape old age, sickness and death. Let's think about this: How many happy events are there in this life? The most anxious thing for people is just hunger and cold. Even if one wears silk, drinks fine wine, tastes exotic food everyday and lives in mansion, the flesh cannot stay unwithered for a hundred years. The wealth and nobility of life is actually a dream. People are entangled by many things in the world; and these entanglements are all invited by oneself.

Everyone of us must go through the sour, sweet, bitter and spicy parts of life. Human existence in the world has more suffering than joy. To put an end to this suffering, we must make contributions and build our virtues. Only with true merits and honest repentance can Heaven offer true help. Make the journey of life a meaningful one and let's see a poem by my Heavenly Master JiGong;

"Reconize the directions clearly. Turn the steering wheel on seeing the wind (grip opportunities). Rebuild a new life and seek the Root. Throw away and let go all greed, anger, ignorance and blind love and passion. To the ones with affinity, the Saints and Worthies are beckoning from afar. Do encourage yourself and do cultivate with haste."

Wisdom of life is to reconize ourselves, who we are and why we are here. In this land of endurance there is a great heap of defects and frustrations. We have a choice and don't live without choices. Humble ourselves and learn the way to liberation of life. Use the false self (body) to save the true self (soul). Let go of all attachments and don't crave for fame and wealth. Free ourselves from greed and worries and if we are willing to adapt to all conditions, a bitter gall-bladder can turn into a sweet spring; if we can transform the situations, a thatched cottage can be an elegant mansion too.

Author: T.A Chew