Courtyard House: The Cultivation System Takes Me Flying

As the spiritual energy circulated for a long time, heaven and earth returned to a state of utmost stillness and tranquility, where nothing could stir any ripples. Within the ancient city of Chang'an, the hearts of all people and all spirits, in the daily peace, reached a state of undisturbed tranquility and true freedom.

A calm and undisturbed mind is not apathy or indifference, but rather a clarity and serenity born from experiencing all things and seeing through the passage of time; true freedom is not unrestrained indulgence, but rather the peace and composure of holding fast to one's original aspirations and being content with the present moment. Every living being in the garden is free from the slightest obsession, the most intense desire, and the wisp of worry, for they already possess all that is most precious in the world—family togetherness, a peaceful home, tranquil years, and a carefree world.

Qin Lintian's heart was already as clear as a mirror, undisturbed by any ripples. He no longer needed to ponder the Great Dao, no longer needed to defend against enemies, no longer needed to plan or arrange; he simply followed his heart, lived as he pleased, and in every movement, every sitting, every lying down, there was the Dao's rhythm; in every frown and smile, there was warmth. He would stroll with Qin Huairu in the Spirit Garden at dawn, play with the children during the day, enjoy tea and conversation with the elders in the afternoon, and quietly admire the Milky Way with all living beings at night. Everything was natural, everything was true and free.

He remained in white robes, but the majesty of a guardian was gone, replaced only by the gentle warmth of family; his Dao foundation was immortal, but the oppressive power of the Great Dao was gone, replaced only by the tenderness of time. He was one with his home, in harmony with his family, connected with the spirits of all beings, and in harmony with the breath of heaven and earth. No effort was required; everything was naturally perfect.

Qin Huairu's heart, like the waters of a spiritual stream, is peaceful and gentle. She no longer worries about wind and rain, no longer fears hardship, no longer frets about troubles; she simply enjoys the beauty of each day. She carefully tends to the spiritual flowers and herbs in her garden, gently cares for the children and elders around her, quietly listens to the harmonious sounds of the zither and wind chimes, and softly nestles beside Qin Lintian, watching the sunrise and sunset, observing the clouds drift and disperse. Her gentleness is no longer the strength gained through hardship, but the natural beauty flowing through peaceful years.

He Yuzhu's heart is like a tranquil, warm lake, filled with the warmth and peace of a meal. He has loved the simple pleasures of life all his life, but now, free from the worries of making a living and the disturbances of the outside world, he can focus on studying culinary arts, infusing the essence of nature and the warmth of his home into each delicious dish. His cheerfulness is no longer the magnanimity in the face of adversity, but the heartfelt joy in a peaceful life.

The four elders, Jia Zhangshi, Jia Dongxu, Yan Bugui, and Liu Haizhong, possessed hearts as still as an ancient pool, serene and content. They had no worries about family affairs or livelihood, spending their days enjoying tea, playing chess, chatting, and appreciating the scenery. Auspiciousness and longevity surrounded them, and peace resided in their hearts. Their kindness and composure were the natural gifts of time, the freedom nurtured by tranquility.

The hearts of children are like the rising sun, pure and flawless. They know no sorrow, no strife, no hardship; they only know how to be with their families, to frolic with all living beings, and to wander with the spirits. Their childlike innocence is the purest stillness, the most natural freedom, and the best reflection of their home.

The heart lake of all spirits is gentle and peaceful, in harmony with nature. The white jade rhinoceros no longer needs protection or deterrence, but simply lies quietly beside the spiritual realm; the herd of spirit deer no longer needs to be wary of danger, but simply strolls freely along the banks of the spiritual stream; the spirit birds and beasts no longer need to fight for survival, but simply fly freely through the mountains and forests. Their very existence is peace, is itself freedom.

The heart lake of spiritual beings is clear and pure, sharing the same path as their home. The morning dew only knows to moisten, the stream only knows to be gentle, the wind chimes only know to be joyful, the tree only knows to bring life, and the ever-burning lamp only knows to bring warmth. Without thought or desire, without greed or anger, true freedom and ease are nothing more than this.

Throughout the ancient city of Chang'an, from its inhabitants to its family, from all living beings to the spirits, from plants to flowing water, from lamplight to stars and moon, all were in a state of tranquil peace and true freedom. There was no pursuit, no desire, no anxiety, no unease; only contentment in the present, enjoyment of this moment, and a commitment to eternity.

They no longer deliberately pursue immortality, because they have already lived as long as heaven and earth;

No longer deliberately pursuing perfection, because ultimate perfection has already been reached;

No longer deliberately seeking peace, for I am already in eternal peace;

I no longer deliberately seek warmth, because I am already surrounded by warmth.

Everything is natural and spontaneous; everything is its true and constant nature.

In the early morning, without anyone urging them, everyone woke up naturally, bathed in the morning dew, and admired the morning light;

During the day, without any arrangements, everyone finds their own enjoyment, whether sitting idly, playing, working, or resting;

At dusk, without being called, everyone naturally gathered to share a reunion dinner;

At night, without anyone reminding them, everyone naturally fell asleep, accompanied by the starry sky and sweet dreams.

Time flows by silently.

My heart is calm and undisturbed.

True freedom and ease, never leaving or abandoning.

Qin Lintian sat by the Spirit Stream, his feet lightly touching the water, the babbling brook gently swirling around his ankles. Qin Huairu nestled beside him, a spirit flower in her hand, her gaze tenderly fixed on the distance. Children and spirits frolicked and played on the grass nearby, their laughter clear and bright, yet undisturbed by the tranquility of the heart; elders played chess in the pavilion, their moves silent and serene; the spirits and creatures remained peacefully at their own pace, their spiritual energy wafting gently, free and serene.

"These days are so good," Qin Huairu said softly, her voice gentle, like a breeze rippling across a lake.

Qin Lintian nodded slightly, his voice gentle and calm: "That's how it should be. When the heart is calm, there is peace everywhere; when people are at ease, every moment is beautiful."

No unnecessary words, no unnecessary emotions.

It was just a simple reflection, a calm acceptance.

A still lake in the heart is not lifeless, but rather teeming with life within tranquility;

True freedom and ease are not indulgence, but rather steadfastness within composure.

Every inch of Chang'an, the ancient capital, is imprinted with this tranquility and freedom.

Every living thing in our home possesses this peace and tranquility.

Heaven and earth will never change again, and time will never stir up any more waves.

May your heart remain forever clear, and may your true nature remain forever free.

This is the most authentic state of life.

This is the most perfect form of eternity.

The setting sun cast long shadows of the two, the stream flowed gently, wind chimes tinkled softly, the zither played a low melody, all spirits rested in peace, and families reunited.

A calm and still mind is true freedom.

A lake with a pure heart brings peace, and eternal truth brings joy for ten thousand years.

Free and carefree with loved ones by my side, Chang'an is a vast and eternal city.