By ​​Xianying Lin / Daoxin

A Thought

The cultivation of Tao is about the heart and mind, while propagation is about giving full effort.  Tao cultivation must be deeply rooted in the conscience; otherwise, we will easily give up halfway.  When we withstand and overcome all the tests and trials of cultivation, a compassionate, truly sincere, and unwavering heart shines. 

I was very pessimistic in my early years of Tao cultivation.  Trapped in discouraging thoughts, my friends encouraged me to learn Chinese painting.  The class required weekly submissions, and so I was immersed in painting every day.  One day while painting, I realized that thoughts about what is right and wrong are constructs of the inner shadow.  It is my ignorance and sin that blind me from my conscience, not the fault of others.  With this realization, the heaviness in my heart was lifted.  I smiled happily from the inside out.

Painting is therapeutic for me.  It helps remove my grievances, suspicions, and negativities.  I fell in love with painting.  Through painting, I found balance and joy in my personal life and Tao cultivation.