Master Fa Chan’s Teachings 18

2025/08/15

1. The Shurangama Sutra says, “All that can be returned is naturally not you; all that is not yours is not you, but who else?” What exactly does this “all that is not yours” refer to? You can also ponder this from here. Once you understand it, you will suddenly see the light, understand it clearly, and there will be no distance.
   
   
2. The Shurangama Sutra says, “When seeing sees, seeing is not seeing; seeing is still apart from seeing, and seeing cannot reach it.” What exactly does this “seeing cannot reach” mean? You can also ponder this from here. However, we are not asking you to give an answer or a long list of reasons. Remember, empty promises cannot satisfy hunger.
   
   
3. The Lotus Sutra tells every practitioner that we must “enter the Tathagata’s room, wear the Tathagata’s clothes, and sit on the Tathagata’s seat.” This “Tathagata’s room” refers to the great compassion and mercy that arises for all sentient beings. The “Tathagata’s Robe” refers to a gentle and forbearing heart. The “Tathagata’s Seat” signifies the emptiness of all dharmas, the ability to both be one with all dharmas and be apart from them. It means not clinging to any dharma, nor being confused by any dharma. This is the conduct and principle that every Taoist should uphold.
   
   
4. In the Tao, a fundamental principle is: regardless of whether others are right or wrong, one must be right. Doing the right thing is the right thing; doing the wrong thing requires prompt repentance.
   
   
5. As you all know, the I Ching has sixty-four hexagrams, each with six lines, and fortune and misfortune are determined through these six lines. Almost every hexagram has both auspicious and inauspicious lines, with the exception of the “Humility” hexagram, which has all six lines auspicious.
   
   The “Tuan Chuan” of the I Ching also states: “The Way of Heaven diminishes excess and increases humility; the Way of Earth changes excess and flows with humility; the spirits and ghosts harm excess and bless humility; the Way of Man abhors excess and favors humility.”
   
   In fact, as most people know, “Pride brings harm, while humility brings benefit.” Therefore, in your interpersonal relationships, we hope that you will all be modest and self-disciplined, humble and polite, and truly be a humble gentleman. This virtue is truly powerful!
   
   
6. Here, I’ll also teach you a very simple “Heel Raising and Hand Swinging Health Exercise.” This was also personally taught by an ancient Taoist master. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Stretch your hands forward, slightly shoulder-level, with your palms facing downward. Then, with a slight force, swing your arms backward, palms facing upward.
   
   Simultaneously, lift your heels upward, thrusting your chest slightly forward. Immediately, swing your arms forward again, roughly shoulder-level, and lower your feet to the ground simultaneously. Continue swinging your hands back and forth, lifting and lowering your feet. You can practice this for three to five minutes, or ten, twenty, or thirty minutes at a time.
   
   
   The duration is up to you. You can also practice this exercise multiple times. The more times you practice it, the better the results will be. However, you should also consider your physical condition and avoid forcing yourself.
   
   
   The old Taoist priest also taught me to add a closing exercise after the practice. The method is to stand in the same position. Place your hands in front of your body, palms facing up, and gently lift them upwards, taking a deep breath. Once your hands are in front of your chest and you’ve fully inhaled, turn your palms downward again, inhaling simultaneously, and return to a standing position. This can be done six or twelve times.
   
   
   The old Taoist priest said, “This exercise is simple to learn and can be practiced anywhere. It cures illness and strengthens the body even when healthy. It strengthens the functions of all organs, prolongs life, and has anti-aging benefits. It is particularly effective against many chronic conditions, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, heart disease, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes.”
   
   
   If you don’t usually get much exercise, then practicing this exercise as often as you can is a top priority. It’s simple to learn, convenient, and can be practiced anytime, anywhere. It doesn’t take much time, whether it’s three, five, or ten minutes. Of course, perseverance and consistent practice are essential.
   
   
   Correction:
   In the original post, in the closing movement of the sixth exercise, it mentioned “After fully inhaling, turn your palms downward while inhaling.” The phrase “while inhaling” should be changed to “while exhaling.” Please correct this. Thank you!