Chapter 12

The constant stimulation of the world can distract us from our inner truth. Finding balance means recognizing when to withdraw from sensory overload and reconnect with our own source of wisdom.

The five colors blind the eye.
The five tones deafen the ear.
The five flavors dull the taste.
The chase and the hunt craze people's minds.

Our modern world bombards our senses with a relentless barrage of stimuli. From the bright, attention-grabbing colors of screens to the constant notifications and alerts that demand immediate attention, technology overwhelms our capacity to process information. This sensory overload leads to fatigue, difficulty focusing, and a craving for stronger stimulation which creates a vicious cycle.

Wasting energy to obtain rare objects
only impedes one's growth.

We're on a hamster wheel, perpetually chasing the latest tech, the newest app, or the elusive validation of a perfect online persona. This relentless pursuit of external validation and shiny objects saps our time, energy, and attention. It distracts us from cultivating our true potential, fostering genuine talents and passions, and building meaningful relationships that bring lasting fulfillment.

The master observes the world
but trusts his inner vision.
He allows things to come and go.
He prefers what is within to what is without.

This isn't about a complete retreat from technology. Instead, it's about cultivating a mindful relationship with it. This means being an aware and discerning user, recognizing when technology serves us and when it starts to become a distraction. It's about making conscious choices to disconnect and recharge, and prioritizing our inner well-being. In this way, we can stay grounded in our own values and goals, rather than being swept away by the ever-changing technology.