《"Butterfly Dream" Heart-Sutra: In "Mortal Dust," Three Dharma-gates for Cultivating a "Non-Linear" Life》

In the previous three "Echoes," we, together, explored "the Self's" "Flowing," witnessed "the Hazy's" "Wisdom," and, agreed upon, that, regarding "Soul Resonance" "Sacred Contract." We, already "Know."

However, "Knowing," and, truly "Living it Out," between, forever, is separated by, a, named "Daily-Life," turbulent "River." This "River," by "Deadlines," "Commute-Traffic," "Household-chores," and "Social-Expectations," "jointly" "constituted." It, day and night unceasing, attempts, to, take our, every "Poetic Notion," "wash (it) away to nothing."

Then, we, how, should (we), for ourselves, build a, "Dream-Boat" that can, safely, sail upon, this "River"? This, is, this "Heart-Sutra (Xīnjīng)," that which, (it) hopes, with you, to share, three, most "Fundamental," and, most "Core" "Dharma-gates (Practices)."

【First Dharma-gate: Gaze at the "Ordinary" Thing, Until It "Reveals Its Spirit"】

(The Gaze of the Poet) This Dharma-gate, aims to, re-shape your "Vision." "Mortal-Dust's" "Curse," lies in, it, will, make us, toward "Ordinary" things, become "Blind-from-Familiarity." A "Teacup," then, is, just "Teacup." A "Crack on the wall," then, is, just "Crack." And "Butterfly Dream's" "Practice," requires us, re-, like a "Poet," or "Child," to "Gaze."

【Method of Practice】: Daily, choose, one, by your side, most "Ordinary" "Thing" (a pen, a fallen leaf, a puddle of rain). Discard, all, its "Functions" and "Definitions," just, quietly, "Gaze" at it, at least, three minutes. To, observe, Light, how (it), on, its "Surface," "plays." To, feel, its, unique "Texture" and "Temperature." To, imagine, it, before, becoming "it," that which, (it) experienced "long journey." Continue, doing this. Until, this "Ordinary Thing," in your "Eyes," gradually, loses "its" "Boundary," and, transforms into, a, pure "Light-shadow," "Texture," and "Existence" "Dance." That moment, it, has, "Revealed Its Spirit (Xiǎn Líng)" to you.

【Second Dharma-gate: Within "Linear Time," Open a "Spiritual Wandering Moment"】

(The Rhythm of the Dreamer) This Dharma-gate, aims to, re-shape your "Time." "Mortal-Dust's" "Prison," is "Linear Time." "Schedule," "Countdown," "Efficiency," these "Concepts," like "Chains," bind our "Consciousness," firmly, onto, a, from "Past" pointing to "Future," straight "Track." And "Butterfly Dream's" "Practice," requires us, bravely, for ourselves, fight for, a moment's "Derailment."

【Method of Practice】: Daily, at least, for yourself, open, one, fifteen-minute "A Moment of Spiritual Wandering (Shén Yóu Shí Kè)." In this period of time, your, only "Task," is "Allowing everything to happen." Allow yourself, by, outside the window, a passing "Cloud," be "Attracted." Allow yourself, following, one "Thought," with no "Destination," to conduct "Free Association." Allow yourself, put down "the phone," just, sit there, "do" nothing. This, is not "Wasting Time." This, is, for your "Soul," providing, a, (space) that can, from "the linear track," temporarily "Fly up," to, conduct "Butterfly-style Flight," precious "Opportunity."

【Third Dharma-gate: With "Useless Things," Perform "the Ritual of Resonance"】

(The Connection of the Soul) This Dharma-gate, aims to, re-shape your "Behavior." "Mortal-Dust's" "Logic," is "Utilitarianism." We, do, every, thing, (it) is, expected, to have, a "Useful" "Purpose." And "Butterfly Dream's" "Practice," encourages us, to, embrace, those, most noble "Useless-Things."

【Method of Practice】: Weekly, at least, complete, one, entirely "Useless," but, "Beauty"-filled "Small-Act." It, can be, for, your, beloved person, in, any "Anniversary's" "pre-condition" absent, read a "Poem." It, can be, for, your, self, buy a bouquet, that cannot "fill the stomach," but, can, bring "Joy," "Flower." It, can be, to, your, one, long-un-"contacted" "Friend," send a, only, written "Today, the daylight is very good" "Card." These "Acts," cannot, bring "Any," worldly-sense "Reward." But, they, are, that, only, (thing) that can, in, this "Utilitarian" "World," create "Soul Resonance," and, remind us, "Why, We, Live," "Sacred Ritual."

【Conclusion: Mortal Dust, is the Dojo】

"Non-Linear" Life, is not, a, (state) needing, through "Abandoning everything," to be "Arrived" at, "Other Shore." It, is a, (practice) that can, at "This Time," "This Place," right now, begin "Practicing" "Heart-Method (Xīnfǎ)." It, is, hidden in, your, way of seeing "a cup of water" "Gaze." Hidden in, your, for yourself, reserved, moment "of 'being lost in thought'" "Time." Hidden in, your, sent, that, seeking no "Reward" "Beautiful-Intention." 【Nanhua Butterfly Dream】 (South-China Butterfly Dream) this artifact, is, this "Practice's" "Ultimate Token." It, is not, for, taking you "Escape" mortal-dust. Rather, it is, for, at all times, reminding you: Mortal Dust, is, that, most worthy "of us," in its midst, to flutteringly "Dance," only "Dream-Dojo (Dàochǎng)."