The Duality of Human Nature and the Path to Unity of Knowledge and Action

Humans inherently possess an inseparable duality: the physical and the spiritual. This binary nature forms the foundation of our existence and is the source of our quest for balance.

The Parallel Nature of Growth and Nourishment

1. The physical body requires developmental growth in stages and needs proper nutrition; similarly, the spirit needs development and growth through different phases, requiring its own form of nourishment.

2. The body becomes ill, necessitating prevention, treatment, and recovery; likewise, the spirit can fall ill, also requiring prevention, treatment, and restoration.

3. Human nature is extremely complex—simultaneously noble and base—yet continuously seeking a path of balance, which is the essence of the Middle Way.

Insights from the Way of Animals

This Middle Way can be considered, in some sense, the "Way of the Dog" (or the way of animals). Dogs, as the animal representatives closest to humans, offer us profound insights.

Why haven't humans domesticated other animals as close companions? Is it because other animals resist domestication, or because they disdain it? And why have cats and dogs formed such intimate connections with humans? Perhaps there exists another possibility: through the long process of coevolution, cats and dogs have, in their own way, "domesticated" humans.

A dog perfectly represents the Middle Way, and the animal kingdom embodies this essential balance. Animals live without worry, free from scheming and manipulation, without forming complex social hierarchies, and content once their basic needs are met. They don't deliberately develop spiritual worlds or pursue desires beyond their instincts.

Humans, meanwhile, find themselves in contradiction: in the spiritual realm, we yearn to return to the animal state of desirelessness, while in the material world, we constantly and aggressively expand our desires under the noble guise of human civilization and technological advancement.

Reflections on Unifying Knowledge and Action

For sentient beings, achieving true unity between knowledge and action is almost as difficult as ascending to heaven. How many can truly achieve a state beyond all external concerns? If one's karmic burden is heavy, attempting this may lead to even greater mental exhaustion.

Practical Advice

1. Don't forcefully pursue the state of unified knowledge and action—such deliberate pursuit often proves counterproductive.

2. Practice reduction—begin simplifying both your physical and spiritual worlds. Decisively eliminate all internal and external factors that drain your energy.

3. Recognize the nature of thought—clearly understand that everything you think may lack ultimate meaning, and many phenomena in life are merely temporary appearances.

4. Practice through action—life can be summed up in one word: "do." Address whatever you encounter, approaching everything from the perspective of problem-solving.

Life can be lived in any way you choose. The key is not to be swayed by concepts, environments, and social expectations constructed by others. Return to the essence of life, follow your heart, trust your intuition, harm neither people nor nature, and live with peace of mind. Whether you choose to "lie flat" or strive forward doesn't matter—what's important is being true to yourself.

Two Paths to Unifying Knowledge and Action

There are two approaches to achieving unity between knowledge and action:

1. The Path of Gradual Enlightenment—rather than deliberately pursuing the result of unified knowledge and action, find enlightenment through practice. Learn from each task you perform, from each day you live. Progress daily in both spiritual and physical realms, building brick by brick, and naturally, over time, you will achieve the state of unified knowledge and action.

2. The Path of Sudden Enlightenment—this is a matter of natural talent or special opportunity that cannot be forced. It comes like a flash of insight, a moment of complete clarity.

Ultimately, through more practice and experience, as your worldview and cosmic perspective gradually become more complete, the wisdom of unified knowledge and action will naturally manifest.