Seal of "Always Complying with Causal Conditions"

Yutang Lin

Always complying with causal conditions accords with non-self.
Four characters arranged clockwise to show such subordination.
Yin and Yang strokes placed diagonally to form cooperation.
Be careful with causes and cultivate virtues in constant vigil.

Comments:

Two years ago a disciple offered me an un-carved ivory seal with a one-centimeter squared bottom surface. Then I asked Upasaka Seong Yeow to design and carve the Chinese phrase Heng Shun Yin Yuan, meaning always complying with causal conditions. I suggested that the four characters are to be arranged clockwise, starting from the lower right corner. Thus, Yin Yuan, causal conditions, will be placed above, while Heng Shun, always complying with, will be placed below, adding a sense of subordination. Furthermore, I suggested that: Heng, constantly, is to be carved in Yang strokes, i.e., strokes that will stand out as solid when the seal is stamped, to signify constancy; Shun, complying with, is to be carved in Yin strokes, i.e., strokes that will appear as blank when the seal is stamped, to signify that only when one hollows one's self can one comply with situations; Yin, causes, is to be carved in Yang strokes to signify that causes once planted could hardly be changed; and Yuan, conditions, is to be carved in Yin strokes to signify that through accumulation of merits and redemption of karmic hindrances one may win space for alternative consequences. In this way Yin and Yang stroke characters are placed at diagonal positions to form a symmetric image. This time when I returned to Taiwan Seong Yeow brought me the carved seal. Therefore, I wrote this article to record its origination, and attached a copy of the seal's stamp so Buddhist friends may share its enjoyment.

Written in Chinese on June 1, 2006
Taipei, Taiwan
Translated on June 29, 2006
El Cerrito, California

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