We can use the water in a pond to describe our emotional reactions. When it is sunny and windless, the pond becomes like a mirror. When there is a breeze, small ripples appear. When raindrops fall, the ripples grow larger. During a storm, the pond is filled with waves. Right or wrong, good or bad, love me or not, see me or not, good job or not, recognize me or not, cool or not—these are all surface reactions.
The second layer of emotion includes consciousness and memory. For example, if someone scolded you in the past or said something hurtful or embarrassing, these experiences form belief patterns within us.
The third layer of emotional observation can be compared to the reflection of the moon in a deep pond. In deep water, the reflection is still. From this place of stillness, suffering can naturally dissolve.
If we remain at the first layer, even a single drop of rain creates ripples. We are easily triggered by others’ comments. We feel happy or upset based on how others see us, endlessly cycling at the surface. What appears at this level is an illusion—it does not truly exist. Like raindrops falling into the pond, the illusion arises and disappears.
In truth, you do not lose anything at all. What is real is found in the third layer. Why are we unable to look from this place? Why do we stay at the first layer? Because of ignorance—we do not know that such depth exists within us. All struggle happens at the first layer. When we go deeper, the nature of struggle changes.
What is the meaning of events that occur at the first layer? They exist to guide us back to our Self. When we notice that we are caught at the surface, we can consciously move downward, layer by layer. When you see clearly that what you are experiencing is an illusion—for example, your child receiving a grade of C—and your mind no longer attaches to it, wisdom can arise. Only when wisdom surfaces can an issue truly be resolved.
So no matter where you are in your learning, you must return to the third layer—to the original mind, to original peace and stillness.
For example, there was an excellent female employee whose abilities far exceeded those of most of her male coworkers. She was promoted repeatedly to high-level positions. However, each time she was close to reaching the highest position, circumstances forced her to give up the opportunity. Although she truly wanted the promotion, the opportunity kept appearing and disappearing. She became frustrated and began to complain, asking, “Why am I so unlucky? I work so hard—why do I keep failing?” This is remaining at the first layer—reviewing, improving, and complaining.
After listening to her story, I guided her to practice the Letting Go Method and meditation. During this process, she discovered that she would unconsciously sabotage herself at critical moments. She realized that deep within, she did not believe she deserved a good life. As she practiced letting go, stillness arose. She reached the third layer and saw deep guilt within herself that prevented her from fully receiving life. This kind of insight is only possible at the third layer.
The moment we speak the letting-go phrases and pause, our suffering pauses as well. In that pause, we gain the energy needed to see the truth. When the truth is seen, obstacles no longer remain obstacles. This clarity naturally gives rise to peace and happiness.
By Suzhen Liu
If you enjoy Suzhen Liu’s writings, please check out her new book, “Discover Love Within—Release Your Suffering” available on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Discover-Love-Within-Release-Suffering/dp/0999251732
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