- The Pillar of Dao Mind
- 1 One day, Sahng-jeh-nim gathered several disciples in a circle and asked, “In building the house of heaven and earth, the pillars should be strong. What kind of pillar would be most solid?”
- 2 The disciples answered in succession, “One made of pine.” “One made of oak.” “One made of jujube tree.” “One made of stone.” “One made of iron.”
- 3 Sahng-jeh-nim responded, “That is a good material.” “Oak is very sturdy.” “That is a good idea.”
- 4 Suddenly, one disciple asked, “How about the pillar of dao mind (道心柱)?”
- 5 “How did you come to think of the pillar of dao mind?” asked Sahng-jeh-nim. “That is it. That is it. That is it, indeed.
- 6 Once the pillar of dao mind is firmly in place between the middle of the stomach and the bottom of the chin, it will not budge no matter how hard it is shaken.
- 7 It cannot be chipped by a scraper or an axe. It cannot be burned or struck down by lightning. Be sure to hold the pillar of dao mind firmly within you.
- 8 In building the house of heaven and earth, the pillars must be stood straight and firm. Then, the potential of the renewal of heaven and earth will be limitless.”
- 9 On another occasion, Sahng-jeh-nim said, “When heaven and earth undergo gae-byuk and are filled with tears, an iron pillar is of no value.
- 10 The pillar of dao mind, one mind, the devoted mind, is the best among all pillars.
- 11 Hold, hold, hold the pillar of dao mind.
- 12 Those who hold the pillar of dao mind receive the water qi of a dragon.”
- (JSD Dojeon 9,49)
