To Realize the Dao, One Must Become a Living Corpse

To make the thought of the Dharma the dominant thought in your mind, you must naturally prioritize the Dharma above all other worldly people, matters, and objects. Devote all or the vast majority of your thoughts to the Dharma, striving to disregard everything else. Lower yourself profoundly, regard your own five-aggregate body as nothing—utterly worthless, devoid of any special skill. Among people, allow yourself to appear somewhat foolish, leaving no other impression. Do not outwardly boast or flaunt your abilities—whether it be literary or artistic cultivation, excelling in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting; being skilled in singing and dancing; possessing elegant writing; excelling in editing and design; being adept at poetry, song, and prose; skilled in strategizing for power; being some influential figure, exceptionally talented, top-notch, and so on and so forth. Cast all these aside. Forget who you are. All day long, be muddled and confused except when it comes to the Dharma. Be like a living dead person—merely alive is enough. Be completely indifferent to everything in the world. In this way, your thoughts will be entirely of the Dharma, and your dominant thought will be clear. You absolutely will not need to worry about failing to attain the Way. Beat worldly thoughts to death, and you will be permitted to live with the Dharma-body beyond the world.

Ordinary people generally cannot achieve this. The Dharma means separating from and turning your back on the mundane—what can be done? Trying to enjoy worldly pleasures while also attaining realization in the Dharma—to have your cake and eat it too—is impossible. You must transcend the world first before you can engage with it.