Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday

(Barry) #1

soundly that one of his students said that “his snores reverberated
through the house like rumblings of thunder.” It went on for more
than a month, with Hakuin waking only to see the occasional visitor.
But every other minute was spent facedown, passed out in blissful,
restful slumber.
His attendants, who had not yet learned to appreciate the power
of sleep, began to worry. The day the talks would be given was
rapidly approaching. Was the master ever going to get serious about
it? Or was he just going to waste his days asleep? They begged him to
start working while there was still time. He simply rolled over and
slept some more. Finally, as the deadline loomed large, but without a
hint of urgency, Hakuin got up. Sitting, he called to his attendants,
and began with perfect clarity to dictate the talk.
It was all there. It was brilliant.
It was the product of a rested mind that took care of its body. A
healthy soul that could sleep soundly. And it has echoed down
through the ages.
If you want peace, there is just one thing to do. If you want to be
your best, there is just one thing to do.
Go to sleep.

Free download pdf