Witness . Freedom观 。自在
弟子：如何才能变成一个让自己愉快，也带给别人快乐的人？师父笑答： 有四种境界，你可体会其中妙趣。首先，要把自己当成别人，此是“无我”；再之，要把别人当成自己，这是“慈悲”；而后，要把别人当成别人，此是“智慧”；最后，要把自己当成自己，这是“自在”。
(This is my translated version.)
Student：How would someone become a joyful person, and spread happiness to others? Master smiled and answered: There are four levels that you will experience the inner exuberance.
Firstly, let yourself become the other person, thus “no-self”. Secondly, treat others as you would yourself, thus “compassion”. Thirdly, let others be who they are, thus “wisdom”. Finally, let yourself be yourself, thus “freedom”.
Firstly, let yourself become the other person, thus “no-self”.
Know that we are all one. There is no separation. There is no discrimination based on color, creed, culture or race. There is no one that is better than, worse than, richer than, taller than, more beautiful than … we are just what we are, everyone is given the ability to shine. We have the strength, potential, ability, magnificence of anyone you may know and admire. We can do many great things that our hearts set out to do. Therefore, we see each other through the beautiful soul that is within. When we see through this flesh, bones and skin, we are all the same.
Secondly, treat others as you would yourself, thus “compassion”.
Be in their shoes and feel what the other person would feel if you have hurt them, if you have betrayed them, if your have deserted them. On the reverse, what would they feel if you have loved them, cared for them or blessed them. The Golden Rule in any religious text: Do unto others as your would have them do unto you. Show them you care. Care to listen, care to understand, care to hold each other in a loving space. Wouldn’t you want to have someone extend those compassionate care to you too?
Thirdly, let others be who they are, thus “wisdom”.
You may think that you own your children. You may believe that the wellbeing of your parents are entirely under your care. But look within each other’s soul, you will see that each one wants to break free, to be themselves. They want to walk their path as you would want to walk yours. It is your duty to love them, guide them and let them go. Let them be who they are here to be, thus letting yourself the freedom to be who you would want to be too.
Finally, let yourself be yourself, thus “freedom”.
Take time for yourself to feel what you really really really want in your life. Make it happen. You don’t have to wait until you are married or your children are all grown up. You don’t have to wait until you have amassed a huge fortune to do the things you enjoy, the things that will enliven your life. Live your life now, be happy now! Enjoy freedom. Now!
