A Journey to Reclaim the Wandering Mind

 "求放心 (Seeking the Wandering Mind)" reminds us of the deep importance of reclaiming our scattered and straying thoughts. To find and restore a mind that has wandered is perhaps one of the most critical tasks in life. This phrase invites us to reflect on an essential question: what truly defines "me"? Is it my eyes, nose, mouth, or body? When my eyes are closed and I can see nothing, I still exist. Therefore, what is the true essence of my being? Surely, it must be the mind.

Humans are often seen as a microcosm, a "small universe" (小宇宙). Our round heads symbolize the heavens, and our square-like torsos represent the earth. Together, they make us a representation of the universe itself. The vitality that animates the universe is life itself, and without it, all things perish and decay. Similarly, when the mind leaves the body, what remains cannot truly be called "living." This absence of the mind, its departure from the body, is known as 放心 (wandering or losing the mind).

When a pet dog or cat goes missing at home, we frantically search for them throughout the house. Yet when our own mind escapes and wanders in the void, we often fail to seek it out or bring it back. This neglect of the mind's absence is truly lamentable.

In the pursuit of learning, the process of reclaiming the wandering mind and bringing it back to the present moment and the task at hand is paramount. Learning is not simply about acquiring knowledge—it is about anchoring the mind, reclaiming it from distraction, and fully engaging it in the act of understanding. This is the foundation of true scholarly effort.

Let us think deeply about this today. While we go about our daily lives, how often do we let our minds wander away? How much effort do we make to bring it back and integrate it into our actions? The act of seeking the wandering mind is, in essence, a commitment to live with presence, purpose, and clarity. It is only by finding our mind and grounding it in the moment that we can achieve true growth and understanding.