61: Centering in Truth

Centering in truth involves becoming conscious of the relationship between your heart and the circumstances of your life. This requires connecting with the fundamental wisdom that is within you, within other people, and within all of nature.

Truth becomes power when you let go of prejudice and make yourself receptive to the world as it really is. This kind of inner transformation can produce a remarkably influential person, but it is difficult to achieve in the distracting modern world of false messages and fake friendships. It is achieved only by those who cultivate a genuine openness to the way things are and possess a willingness to see into the heart of things, rather than to merely looking at appearances.

When your inner life is clouded, your influence in the world is likewise hidden. If you are fearful, you will be attacked; if you cloak mysteries with dogma, opportunities for insight will be lost. If you waver in upholding your principles, you will be tested. Yet when you are firm and strong, the power of truth can break through even the most stubborn minds (including your own).

In a debate, the power to perceive the truth in another’s position is essential to winning the contest. Generally, it is possible to influence even the most difficult people, or improve the most difficult circumstance, through the power of shedding light on universal truths; for truth is something to which all beings naturally respond. Get in touch with that part of yourself that is in touch with this power. Cultivate this ability and become adept at using it, as it will allow you to relate to those who might come to share a common purpose with you for the greater good.

Changing Line Interpretations

Line 1 (bottom line)

Inner preparation brings success. Personal stability of character and a steadfast dedication to the truth that underlies every situation inevitably leads to good fortune. Relying on the perceptions of others is not possible in this context; you must learn to stand on your own, learn to be self-reliant, and learn to apply the power of knowing to make the right moves at the right time.

Line 2

A clear, radiant unselfishness at the core of your being is a vital source of power and influence. It spreads as surely as ripples on a pond when a stone is tossed into the center. A sincere reliance on your own integrity generates supreme good fortune.

Line 3

The life of a person who looks to others for truth and purpose is like a ship tossing on the sea: until the ship’s anchor is dropped to the ocean floor, there will be no stability in the rolling waves. An untethered person is tossed to the heights of joy in one moment and to the depths of sorrow in the next.
Inner truth must be rooted in your own perceptions and experience. At the gate of the palace of truth, each of us stands alone. Dare to know your own mind—and speak it when the time is right!

Line 4

To remain consistent with your own truth is not easy. To correct this, be like a horse that pulls the plow straight ahead, bearing its burden resolutely and refusing to glance sideways, even to its mate, while the work is in progress. Don’t be distracted by trendy fashions and cliques; instead, dig down deeply, and your field will yield a bountiful harvest.

Line 5

Unity is possible when the force of an integrated personality can radiate influence. Such a person guides through the power of suggestion: the prosperity that resides in this leader’s heart affects others through his or her very existence. If such a person is true at heart, coming into his or her circle of influence brings great good fortune.

Line 6 (top line)

In the end, words are birds, and experience is the tree they roost in. The power of inner truth is rooted in the tree; birds come and go. Talk is cheap, but integrity is mighty.

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