Three Layers of Learning

 Our emotional reactions can be compared to the surface of a pool of water. On a clear and windless day, it is as smooth as a mirror. When a breeze blows by, some small ripples appear. When raindrops fall, they create large ripples. During a strong storm, the water surface forms waves. Questions like right or wrong, good or bad, do you love me or not, have you seen me, am I doing well or not, do you recognize me or not, am I strong or not... These are all superficial emotional reactions.

The second level lies beneath the emotions, encompassing consciousness and memory. For example, if you've been scolded with an unpleasant word or experienced something embarrassing in the past, these experiences shape your beliefs. I liken the third level to the moon in a deep pool of water. The reflection of the moon remains still in this serene place. We can find liberation here and attain freedom.

Staying on the first level means that the next raindrop will create a ripple, someone else's words will make our hearts flutter, and we will swing between happiness and sadness constantly. We'll remain here endlessly, but it's an illusion. The illusion doesn't truly exist; it vanishes like a drop of water.

The truth is that you'll never lose it, regardless of what happens. This is called the truth. There is a truth within us that resides on the third level. So why don't we look there? Why do we linger on the first level? It's because we are ignorant of the realm within us. Consequently, we get stuck on the first level, where all the conflict resides. If you can reach the third level, the nature of the conflict changes.

What's the significance of these superficial incidents? They exist to help us become self-aware. When you realize that you're on this surface level, you'll naturally begin to explore deeper layer by layer. When you can see things as they are, for example, when you understand that your child's consistent 60-point test scores are not the ultimate truth, and your mind isn't attached to these surface issues, your wisdom will emerge. It's only with wisdom that you can effectively address your problems.

Therefore, in any pursuit of knowledge, it's essential to access the third level, return to your heart, and reconnect with our original state of stability and silence.

Suzhen Liu