Today's Word

We Need Wisdom That Does Not Dwell in Existence or Nonexistence

2026 . 02 . 25

If we cling to existence, there is collapse; if we cling only to nonexistence, we can fall into the futility that says there is nothing to be broken. A mind that dwells on either existence or nonexistence can become an extreme.

When we regard something as existing, attachment to it as mine arises, and when it changes, loss and frustration follow. Conversely, if we regard everything only as nothing, even the workings of responsibility and compassion can weaken.

Wisdom that truly knows does not remain in calculating existence and nonexistence. We need non-discriminating wisdom that sees phenomena without clinging to them, and knows emptiness without falling into nihilism.

Today, do not be shaken by thoughts on either side, existence or nonexistence. From the place of original nature, may you look at phenomena wisely.

When we do not dwell in either existence or the thought of nonexistence, non-discriminating wisdom is revealed.

When we regard something as existing, attachment to it as mine arises, and when it changes, loss and frustration follow. Conversely, if we regard everything only as nothing, even the workings of responsibility and compassion can weaken. Wisdom that truly knows does not remain in calculating existence and nonexistence. We need non-discriminating wisdom that sees phenomena without clinging to them, and knows emptiness without falling into nihilism.

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We Need Wisdom That Does Not Dwell in Existence or Nonexistence
We Need Wisdom That Does Not Dwell in Existence or Nonexistence cartoon
One cliff says "exists"; the other says "does not exist."
The protagonist wavers between the two cliffs.
Hyedal sunim points to a quiet bridge in the middle.
The fog of attachment and nihilism clears.
On the Middle Way bridge, the world looks clear.