Still waters run deep
In the past years, I have asked several calligraphy masters for calligraphy treasures. Every time, when the rice paper is spread out, the pen and ink are mixed evenly, and the master asks me what words I want, I always say that I like the meaning of "still water runs deep".
At this time, the masters would always rest their bamboo pipes and remain silent for a long time. This silence gave me a vague sense of depth. However, for some reason, every time the masters leave behind the words "Still water runs deep". I had some regrets, but I didn’t think about it deeply.
Not long ago, when I asked a friend of the same age for these four words again, he frankly said: I dare not write these four words.
This really surprised me.
Chinese calligraphy is broad and profound. A friend said that anyone who practices ink has a deep respect for Chinese characters. Generally speaking, only with the depth of skill and understanding can one dare to write profound words. The phrase "Still water runs deep" may seem strange to me at first, but when I think about it carefully, I feel a surge in my heart. What is it? It’s hard to figure it out for a while, so how can you write it down easily?
In those unruly years, my life longed to be alerted by a motto, a warning that truly flowed from my blood, heart and soul, so I began to look for it. That year, I returned from wandering at sea. After a night on the waterway, I stepped onto the deck in the morning. I couldn't help but be surprised: What a vast and boundless silence it was. The turbulent waves in my imagination were completely gone...
Quietness makes the water reveal the original breadth and depth of life. Quietness makes me feel the peaceful and magnanimous breathing of the plains in my hometown...
Still water runs deep.
It was at that moment that I deeply felt what encounter and compatibility in life were, and this life Zen gushed out from the spring in my heart.
Friends couldn’t help but be touched by my “mortal motto”: Yes, and the four words “Still water runs deep” are very peaceful in words, and there is absolutely no arrogance about stretching out arms and kicking legs. They are arranged together. The rules are natural, don't show off, don't show off, and don't show off. Even if you have the style of everyone, you would not dare to use such words lightly. There is a saying: A bamboo tube can calm the world, and the beautiful thoughts are hidden in it!
I was touched by my friend’s understanding.
I am reminded of a monologue by a poet: ...I use my left hand to study ink, and my right hand rolls up a volume of Chinese slips to read. After reading until my mind is clear, the ink is thicker, and I have dipped my pen in it, I feel like I am going to be reincarnated in the vast universe when facing the blank paper. What a joy this day must be!
I also remembered what a poet friend said when he returned from the Yellow River: Our mother river is not always roaring. There is a section in the middle reaches of the Yellow River that looks like stagnant, turbid mud. However, even the Yellow River boatmen who have fought through the rapids dare not put their boats here because the heart of the river is alive and no one can tell what it is. How deep...
I also think of those who have experience crossing rivers. Before wading, they will always grab a stone and throw it into the water to measure the depth of the water. The higher the splash, the louder the sound, and the shallower the river. The river water that cannot splash much water and cannot hear the sound of water must be unfathomable...
As I thought about it, waves surged in my heart. Boundless silence...
Quietness is the perfection of life; water is the origin of life; flow is the embodiment of life; depth is the implication of life...
May 5, 1995