7. Send Mindset
The Nature of Wisdom
What is vice? It is precisely what you have witnessed countless times before. When facing any circumstance, remember: you have seen this before. Looking through all of existence, you will find the same patterns repeating - these fill the histories of ancient times, middle ages, and recent days. They fill our cities and homes now. Nothing is new - all is familiar and temporary.
Our judgments can only be dissolved when we extinguish the impressions that sustain them, which you have the power to rekindle at any time. If you can form the right understanding of a thing, why allow yourself to be troubled? Nothing external to your mind can affect your mental state. Learn this, and you stand upright.
Consider the empty pageantry of spectacles, the dramas on stage, the herds and flocks, the ceremonial spear-fights, the bone thrown to puppies, the morsel cast to fish, the laboring and burden-bearing of ants, the scurrying of startled mice, the puppets pulled by strings. Stand among all this with good nature, not with disdain, yet understand that each being's worth matches precisely the worth of the objects they pursue.
Like a climber reading the rock face before them, follow each word that is spoken and each action that unfolds. In speech, see immediately toward what end it is directed; in action, observe what is being attempted.
Ask yourself: Is my understanding sufficient for this task? If yes, use it as a tool provided by the nature of the universe. If no, either step aside for someone better equipped (unless duty demands otherwise), or proceed with your current abilities while seeking guidance from those who can help you achieve what benefits the community. Whether working alone or with others, direct all effort toward what serves the common good.
Those once celebrated are already forgotten, and those who celebrated them are long departed.
Do not be ashamed to receive help. Your task is to fulfill your appointed duty, like a soldier at a wall. What if you cannot ascend alone but can succeed with assistance?
Let the future not disturb you - you will meet it with the same reason that guides you now.
All things are interwoven, and their connection is sacred. Nothing is foreign to anything else, for all is arranged together in order. For there is one universe made up of all things, and one divine being pervading all, and one substance, and one law, and one reason common to all thinking beings, and one truth.
Perfection of character means living each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretense.
