You realize that from the beginningless beginning you have been complete and whole as you are. And this supreme truth is the most difficult for us to swallow. There is nothing to be attained. — Zen master Dennis Genpo Merzel
In shavasana we encounter nondoing. We embrace being. We oppose the goal-driven striving of the Western world with deep stillness. This is a difficult pose for most of us. What does it mean that we have nothing to attain? — Rolf Gates, Meditations from the Mat
The follower of knowledge learns as much as he can every day;
The follower of the Way forgets as much as he can every day.
By attrition he reaches a state of inaction
Wherein he does nothing, but nothing remains undone.
To conquer the world, accomplish nothing;
If you must accomplish something,
The world remains beyond conquest.
– Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
2 Responses
Thank you for this reminder. I first read these words when I was 18 years old. They changed my life.
Yes, thanks for this. I found it after returning from my yoga class, and it was good to find. I’m looking forward to browsing more entries from you!