Spiritual cultivation is divided into different levels. Some, despite having entered the path and seeking the Way, still attend to their daily lives and livelihoods, while striving to cultivate virtue and adhere to the Way’s precepts. These individuals are considered followers of the Way but remain at the initial level.
Those who truly dedicate themselves to cultivation renounce worldly attachments and desires, practicing abstinence and upholding moral precepts. They are considered to have reached a higher level.
At this higher level of cultivation, one must embrace austerity. The greater the austerity, the greater the spiritual merit, and the greater the merit, the higher the spiritual attainment. It’s like a piece of wood being carved: the more it endures the chisel and mallet, the more intricate and refined the carving becomes. Austerity is a touchstone for testing the purity of our virtue. And what is this “gold” being tested? It is our moral character. Those who endure hardship without wavering, maintaining a steadfast heart and unwavering spirit, embracing the Way and finding contentment in simplicity, are truly worthy servants of the Supreme Being.
Austerity is also a powerful tool for overcoming worldly desires. Those who embrace austerity become detached from material pursuits, extinguishing worldly passions and desires. It’s like preserving meat: to prevent it from spoiling, we salt it. Similarly, to protect our souls from the corruption of worldly desires, we must embrace austerity. Austerity is the salt that preserves our souls from decay.
The scriptures say, “Relinquish the body to seek the Way, relinquish wealth to seek poverty.”
What does it mean to relinquish the body, and why should we do so?
Relinquishing the body means detaching from our physical form, recognizing its impermanence and limitations. However, this does not mean harming or neglecting our bodies. To wholeheartedly pursue the Way, we need to maintain good health and physical strength to endure hardships. This is essential for preserving life, which is necessary for spiritual cultivation.
So, what does it truly mean to relinquish the body?
It means:
1/. Not being overly concerned with physical appearance, such as meticulously grooming eyebrows and facial hair, or using perfumes and fragrances to enhance our physical attractiveness. Such adornments are merely superficial pursuits of worldly people seeking admiration and affection. Some might argue, “How can we maintain cleanliness with long hair and a beard? And without cleanliness, how can we maintain good health?”
I reply: “Good health depends on practicing proper hygiene, regardless of appearance. With regular washing and grooming, long hair and a beard can be kept clean. Conversely, even with short hair and a clean-shaven face, neglecting hygiene will lead to uncleanliness.”
True beauty and lasting honor reside in the spirit. Consider individuals like Nguyễn Hiền (a renowned scholar) and Trạng Trình (a legendary figure known for his intelligence), whose brilliance and contributions have endured through centuries, their names forever etched in history. Or figures like Triệu Ẩu, the Trưng sisters, Trần Hưng Đạo, and Lê Văn Duyệt, who valiantly defended their nation against invaders, their spirits forever honored and remembered at their shrines.
The fragrance of perfumes and cosmetics is merely a superficial and temporary enhancement, a fleeting illusion.
2/. Not being attached to luxurious clothing and material possessions to impress others. Why would a spiritual practitioner need such things? Simple and modest attire, as long as it is clean and presentable, is sufficient for warmth and protection. This embodies both frugality and spiritual discipline. This is what it means to relinquish the body to seek the Way.
Therefore, in the New Law, Chapter Two, Article 15, those at the higher levels of cultivation are required to keep their hair and beard uncut and wear simple clothing made of cotton or linen.
What does it mean to relinquish wealth to seek poverty?
Jesus Christ taught, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor.” (Si vous voulez être parfait, allez, vendez tout ce que vous avez, et distribuez-le aux pauvres.)
These profound words deserve our admiration. Wealth and possessions often lead people astray, tempting them towards wrongdoing. The wealthy are easily seduced by worldly pleasures (alcohol, sensuality, greed, and arrogance), becoming lost in hedonism and neglecting virtue. Embracing poverty, on the other hand, helps us avoid such temptations.
Can we truly renounce wealth and attain the Way? With unwavering determination, it is certainly possible. It’s like sending money to a distant land to purchase something precious. Although we haven’t received the item yet, we are confident that it is ours because we have paid for it.
Similarly, if we relinquish our wealth to seek the Way, even though we haven’t attained it yet, we can be confident in our eventual success because we have made the necessary sacrifice.
Moreover, the Creator allows us to experience poverty to protect us from worldly temptations and prevent us from becoming entangled in the pursuit of fame and fortune. Therefore, austerity is a valuable asset for spiritual practitioners. Fearing hardship indicates a lack of understanding of the Way.
This reminds me of the story of Zhongli Quan during the Han Dynasty, before he attained immortality. The story goes:
Zhongli Quan was a talented general during the Han Dynasty. One day, while fighting a battle, the Immortal Li Tieguai observed him and lamented, “Zhongli has the potential for spiritual cultivation, but if he achieves complete victory and returns to camp with increased power and prestige, he will become attached to fame and fortune and neglect his spiritual practice. It is better to orchestrate his defeat to disillusion him, making him more receptive to spiritual guidance.” Li Tieguai then set fire to Zhongli Quan’s camp, allowing the enemy to win. This defeat disillusioned Zhongli Quan with worldly pursuits, leading him to embrace spiritual cultivation and eventually attain immortality, becoming known as Han Zhongli.
This story offers solace to those facing hardships and setbacks on their spiritual path.
Another example is Cao Guojiu, a high-ranking official during the Song Dynasty. Disillusioned with worldly affairs, he distributed his wealth to the poor, renounced his family and attachments, and retreated to the mountains to cultivate his spirit, eventually attaining immortality. If he had clung to his possessions and family, how could he have achieved immortality?
THE END
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