How to Use Yourself Valuably
The universe inherently contains everything it seeks to understand. Yet, since it cannot see its own back, it continuously attracts forms before itself. Similarly, humans are driven to seek something external, often failing to find true fulfillment. When you reach the realization that you cannot find true fulfillment externally, a process of internal collapse begins. It is in this collapse that you learn the meaning of sacrifice and the ability to give without reservation.
At that point, you discover the other side of yourself—the part you have been seeking outside all along. You realize that you are both Gapdoli and Eulsuni. This realization unveils the understanding that your being is merely a single form, and achieving this understanding is transcendence. Life lived thereafter is transcendental life.
What, then, is transcendental life? It is not unity of mind and body, nor is it the oneness of spirit and self. Rather, it is No Mind and No Shape (무심무체). When you grasp this state—where you cannot be united or scattered—you transcend the self and embrace the vast openness of existence. In doing so, you learn how to use yourself most valuably.
Many people do not know what they truly are. Philosophers have called the force of attraction Eros, and the fleeting images you encounter are your karma’s manifestations of Eros. When you achieve No Mind and No Shape, you realize you were merely a piece of metal, and beyond that, you become aware of the world outside. You transform into an all-encompassing being, choosing and discarding nothing but embracing everything.
If you seek fortune and blessings, do this: Become love itself. Do not simply channel love through yourself but allow love to radiate from you. Everything around you will transform into blessings. You will become one with the universe, a being who embraces all.
Over time, your mind has accumulated countless layers, built by experiences and attachments. These layers often lead you to seek things that ultimately bring trouble. What you thought was fortune may later turn into misfortune. True blessings often go unnoticed because you fail to recognize them amidst the clutter of your mind.
However, when you achieve No Mind and No Shape, you will see that your body is merely a simple form. You will learn how to use yourself as such—arranging yourself between this and that to create something beautiful. This is transcendental living.
Jesus Christ once said, “If you wish to awaken, give up everything you own and follow me.” People often enthusiastically agree but hesitate when asked to act. True transcendence requires letting go, not only of material possessions but of attachments to self and ego.
Imagine a rubber band stretched taut. If you hold on to it, the tension increases until someone releases it, causing a sharp impact. This is the nature of attachments and desires. To transcend, you must let go of the rubber band you hold so tightly. Otherwise, you will continue to clash with the world, experiencing temporary thrills but ultimately causing your own downfall.
“To use yourself valuably, let go of what binds you. Transcend attachments and embrace your essence.”
Transcendence is not about renouncing life but about embracing the essence of existence. By understanding your true nature, you can live freely, creating harmony and value in all that you do.