Sepia photograph of sage on amber page,
Flaming raven Sanskrit, strange syllables,
Intone, chant, repeat.
Number vows with beads :
Every resolution is inspiration petrified.
There are some days when one is disengaged from Tao, not interested in devotion, and everything just becomes an empty form. Gone are spiritual bliss, deep insight, and integration with the rhythm of the universe. Instead, there is duty, form, and stiff discipline. One can try to remember the reasons for one's quest, think of the achievements of the past, reaffirm one's goals, and still not be inspired to do one's practice. What do you do?Every once in a while, it is permissible to skip things for a day. If you are angry, under great stress, or ill, then it is best simply to rest. But if one has made vows, if it is only a matter of laziness or indifference, then you must exert your discipline and practice even if it means that you are just going through the motions. In at least half the cases, something significant will happen. The rest of the time, going through your forms is in itself a good practice. It builds a tremendous momentum that will manifest itself in later times.
Personal Interpretation
We will all feel disengaged from Tao from time to time. It is natural. If we are angry or under great stress, sometimes the best thing we can do is take a break from our work, rest, regather our strength. We must still strive to keep the vows that we have made however. Sometimes going through the motions can be the very thing that brings us out of our funk. At the very least, going through the forms is good practice. We must always ask ourselves what is best for ourselves and then act accordingly.
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