Free of Like and Dislike, Truly Released
One who neither hates nor craves is called ever-released; free of the pull of like and dislike, such a one is easily freed from bondage.
Do I spend most of my day straining to clutch what I like and push away what I dislike?
📝Reflection
In this verse I see the quietest face of freedom. The released one is not someone who turns their back on the world, but one who neither clutches with liking nor pushes away with dislike. Freed from these two forces — pull and repulsion — the mind loosens from its taut tension and grows light on its own. It stands in exactly the same place where Buddhism speaks of a mind not dragged by like and dislike. When my mind draws taut to grip or repel something, I practice opening both hands together and watching calmly.
🌱Apply It Today
When something strongly attracts or repels you today, before clutching or pushing, watch it calmly for one breath.
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
