A few hours ago, on a flight from Beijing to Shanghai, I came across a reader’s question in my messages: “Master, I really want to know — how did you and people at your level climb so high?”
I was going to write a long piece in response. But after sitting quietly with the thought for a while, a few words came to me.
Simple. Piercing. I’ll share them here:
If you’ve ever spent close, sustained time alongside people of great wealth and status, you’ll understand.
There are no magical secrets in this world. Or rather, what we call “magical secrets” ultimately boils down to this: the great Dao (the Way) is simple.
And what does that simplicity mean?
Seriousness will always outlast carelessness. Deep thinking will always outlast drifting through life. Hard work will always outlast lying flat. Sincerity will always outlast pretense. Pragmatism will always outlast restlessness. Courage will always outlast weakness.
That’s it. Nothing concealed.
But here’s the thing — why can’t most people live by such a simple truth? Because they can’t hold on until the breakthrough day arrives.
So they abandon their original convictions too early, and gradually make themselves more and more “complicated.”
Of course, take these words however you will.
Whether you agree or not, time will slowly give you the answer. ☀️
(The cover image was handcrafted by me — you’re all welcome to use it as a wallpaper. The symbolism and energy are excellent: wealth and blessings, doubly received.)