VOLUME VII, CHAPTER 9
Originally, Not a Single Thing, a Great Love Remains in the Human World
Three sections turn to the innermost heart of the whole book, the great love beneath every word.
First, originally, not a single thing. The self is set down so light it comes near to nothing, and only then can the love spread wide enough to be called great.
Then, that great love makes no distinction and yet does not throw over near and far. To love the world begins with loving one's own, and reaches out from there. It weighs the heart, not the form.
Last, this book is one shape of that great love, a small oil lamp. It cares for the heart of the thing, not the outward form, and it is willing to be forgotten once the love it carries is passed on.
Chapter contents:
Section One. Originally, Not a Single Thing: the Self Set Down, the Love Set Free.
Section Two. Great Love Makes No Distinction, and Does Not Throw Over Near and Far.
Section Three. This Book Is One Shape of That Great Love, a Small Oil Lamp.
Credit to the ancestors; the mistakes are mine: Tiger Lyon.