Freedom from Conflicts of Opposites

Opposites can be seen as conflict, or one can choose to be in harmony with them.

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Breathing in and breathing out, in the dynamics of life, are opposites, yet not in conflict. One complements the other. Similarly, when sorrow arises, if one can remain peaceful while experiencing it, one will learn from it. In that learning, conflict is not created; rather, harmony is found even in sorrow. When there is sorrow, experience it.

But instead of peacefully observing sorrow, one often begins to worry, feel angry, pity oneself or become jealous of others, saying, "Why should this sorrow exist? Why me? This isn't fair," and so on. Such thoughts sully the mind. A mind caught in worry loses its sensitivity. Then, when the tide of sorrow recedes and joy-the opposite of sorrow-arrives, the same mind is unable to fully receive it. For a mind long preoccupied with worry becomes unresponsive, even to joy.