a wisp of cloud

Fixed ideas are like a wisp of cloud or smoke, 

but nonetheless people find themselves blocked or captured by these.

 You would laugh if you saw someone tripped by a cloud,

 or if someone claimed that they were imprisoned by the air. 

But, in fact, people are endlessly being trapped by things

 no more substantial than air or clouds. 

They make a wall with their mind, and then it imprisons them.

 Inherently, there is no wall or anything to trip over. 

These things are mirages 

they've created from the thoughts they gave rise to.

 Do not insist upon your own fixed ideas.

 Your persistence is your own narrow mind.

 If your mind is broad, it can easily embrace the entire world. 

However, if your mind is narrow, 

even a needle cannot enter.

 

 

 You have to keep letting go of your stubbornness, 

and always be deeply respectful of all life and things. 

 This is also how to become a free person. 

Always be humble. Be humble. 

The fragrance of your broad and generous mind
 will warm others’ hearts.

~  Zen Master Daehaeng