Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is something I usually don’t have to face much,¹ but lately I’ve had a bad case of writer’s block. So, I admit I have nothing good to write about now. I have some drafts half-done,² or even less, but nothing I can devote much time to right now. So, I’ve been practicing Japanese writing a bit, but someone pointed out that I am still making lots of mistakes, so I still have a long ways to go.

Anyways, for now I will post a nice quotation from Victor Mair’s translation of the Tao Te Ching, which was on my mind lately:³

Chapter 19 (56 in traditional texts)

One who knows does not speak;
One who speaks does not know.

He stopples the openings of his heart,
Closes his doors,
Diffuses the light,
Mingles with the dust,
Files away his sharp points,
Unravels his tangles.

This is called “mysterious identity.”

Therefore,
Neither can one attain intimacy with him,
Nor can one remain distant from him;
Neither can one profit frmo him,
Nor can one by harmed by him;
Neither can one achieve honor through him,
Nor can one be debased by him.

Therefore,
He is esteemed by all under heaven.

I’ve been thinking about the first half in particular lately, with the thought of “mingling with the dust” and “filing away sharp points” something I hope to train my self towards.

Anyways, have a good weekend!

¹ Usually stepping back and getting some rest is the main problem.

² Got some stuff coming up related to more Yogacara Buddhist readings (some good explanations of the mind), while also some hopefully useful Japanese-language tips too.

³ I’ve owned this book long before I owned any Buddhist books. It was my first book on “Eastern Thought” actually. Compared to other translations, I still prefer this one a lot.