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Autumn Retreat - The Recorded Sayings of Linji
The Four Formless Obstacles consist of the four great elements—earth, water, fire, and air—symbolizing four inner hindrances: delusion, craving, anger, and excitement. When we are able to recognize earth as an obstacle (delusion), water as an obstacle (craving), fire as an obstacle (anger), and air as an obstacle (excitement and intoxication), we do not allow circumstances to pull us away, but instead learn to use the four great elements as companions—fire to cook our food, water to bathe, earth as our foundation, and air to generate energy.
Seeing the emptiness of the four great elements, the mind is no longer afraid and does not identify with circumstances; from this insight arise three qualities of wisdom—
- Samantabhadra (great non-discriminative wisdom)
- Manjushri (great illuminating wisdom)
-
Avalokiteshvara (freedom, unbound by anything)
—taking turns to lead and accompany us, manifesting together in every moment, inseparable, like a non-dual mind containing all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
True freedom arises from “being master wherever you are”—being the master of yourself in any situation, not becoming a victim of the past or of your emotions. Practicing mindfulness in the present moment is the path of healing and liberation from suffering; only when we take full responsibility can we truly be called a great person, live authentically, and manifest our inner freedom.