Questioner: What is the most valuable thing in actual spiritual practice?
Blue:The mastery of timing.
Questioner: What is "timing"?
Blue:It’s just a metaphor. In ancient times, many cultivation-related terms borrowed from contemporary practices, such as alchemy, to facilitate the transmission of knowledge. In modern terms, timing is somewhat like a strategy guide.
For example, Wang Jie was a disciple of Qiu Chuji. When they first met, they were deeply aligned in thought and had continuous discussions for two weeks. One day, the Grandmaster Changchun suddenly asked, “Do you think the Dao is just this? That one can attain enlightenment simply through cultivation?”
Wang Jie pondered for a long time before replying, “The path you have taught me is already the essence—why would practicing it not lead to enlightenment?”
Grandmaster Changchun smiled slightly and said, “What I have shared with you is merely the outer husk of the Dao. The real secret lies in timing. Do you know the subtle stages of timing?”
Wang Jie was deeply shaken and earnestly begged his master for guidance. At that point, Grandmaster Changchun delved into the profound secrets of the Dao.
Questioner: You called it a strategy—does that mean it's like a travel guide?
Blue: Somewhat. Calling it a strategy is just another metaphor.
Take travel as an example: only those who have actually been to a place know which restaurants are good, which hotels are affordable—without firsthand experience, one simply wouldn’t know. Once someone has traveled, they can then write a travel guide and share it online, helping others avoid pitfalls.
The path of cultivation is the same. One must put in real effort. Only those who have walked the path themselves understand what to do at each stage, where the traps lie, and what dangers to avoid. That’s why, since ancient times, seeking a teacher has been essential for those pursuing the Dao.
Questioner: But haven’t ancient masters written books? Do those books contain guides on timing?
Blue: There are two kinds of timing guides. One is broad and general—this is called “general timing.” The other is precise and given through personal instruction—this is the "subtle timing formula."
General timing is written for everyone; it provides a rough direction, much like giving general travel directions. However, it does not include details like which roads to take, where construction is blocking the way, or which paths are dangerous.
Subtle timing is different—it is like one-on-one coaching. When a practitioner reaches a certain stage and struggles to progress, the teacher provides specific guidance based on that individual's state and needs.
Questioner: Why is it done this way? Wouldn’t it be better to write everything down for everyone?
Blue:There are two reasons for this.
First, the Dao must not be passed on lightly. It is the highest truth and should not be given indiscriminately to those unworthy. At the same time, it must also be passed on—otherwise, even the virtuous would be unable to find it. To filter out the insincere and select those who are truly dedicated, ancient masters recorded only a portion of the timing knowledge in written form. This allowed genuine seekers to study and prepare themselves. Those who are truly committed will naturally explore deeper and practice diligently. When they are ready, they will receive subtle timing instruction.
Second, general timing is somewhat like philosophy—it can be inspiring even if you don’t put in much effort. However, subtle timing is different. Without practice and firsthand experience, even if someone explains it in detail, you won’t understand. Many experiences cannot be conveyed through words alone.
Face-to-face guidance is different. Two people who have undergone the same experiences can understand each other with just a few words. But for those who have not, such discussions would sound like incomprehensible riddles. Moreover, each person's journey is unique, requiring tailored guidance. This is why a universal formula does not exist.
Questioner:I see. So general timing is something anyone can refer to, while subtle timing is a guide that must be orally transmitted by a teacher?
Blue: It can only be orally transmitted to those who have firsthand experience and must be given in stages—otherwise, it won’t make sense. Not only will it be incomprehensible, but it will also seem plain and unremarkable. Only those who feel a true thirst will recognize the real value hidden in something seemingly ordinary.
Questioner:Then what about books? Are they still useful?
Blue:Books contain general timing and can serve as a valuable first step for newcomers.
Questioner: Which books should be read, and which should be avoided?
Blue:Books that contain timing insights are genuine; those that lack them are false.
Questioner:Why?
Blue:Seeking the Dao is like finding the right path. Reading books is merely the prelude to that journey. If one has no intention of actually traveling the path, why read Daoist texts at all? Even if one does read, it will lead nowhere.
But if one reads in preparation for the journey, then books must contain guidance on timing. A book without timing instructions is useless. It’s like asking for directions but only receiving vague philosophical musings—no matter how poetic they sound, they won’t help you reach your destination.
We read to apply knowledge, not to become philosophers or write academic papers. In cultivation, only what is put into practice truly matters. Therefore, one must read genuine books that contain timing guidance. Books without timing insights are worthless and thus considered false.
Questioner:If a book doesn’t provide directions, that’s one thing—but what if someone deliberately gives misleading directions?
Blue: Exactly! That’s why books can be like invisible knives, harming people without them even realizing it.
One must read, but one must also be discerning. The key lies in timing, and timing must be grounded in real practice. With deep practical experience, even if one encounters misleading information, it won’t be a problem.
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Translator: ChatGPT
Responder: Blue
Recorder: Zebra
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