治土

I dig into the earth, covered in soil and dust. Deep within, it is packed with all kinds of tangled garbage. Sickening insects, refuse, and the stench of decay rise up. Every vessel, by nature, emanates the scent of whatever it holds. Since the soil is filled with filth, how could there possibly be a way to stop the stench of filth from bleeding out? To purify the soil, there are methods that borrow the powers of water, fire, wood, and living organisms. Washing away all contaminants with water, melting them down at high temperatures with fire, planting trees to absorb the toxic substances, or breaking them down through microorganisms. The soil, on its own, can do absolutely nothing; yet through these other forces, the polluted earth can be cleansed.

I was a person just like that soil. In my Saju(Four Pillars of Destiny), I have five elements of Earth, two of Metal, and one of Wood—a case of Todamaegeum (Metal buried under excessive Earth), which can also be called a Gasaek-격 (a destiny dominated entirely by Earth). Because my nature was to embrace everything, I harbored and bestowed upon whatever came my way, whether it was people or events. Giving was my long-standing foolishness. I gave to those who did not deserve it; I gave to traitors and swindlers; I gave to the wicked and the insolent. My foolishness lay in embracing everything, completely unaware that the soil beneath me was rotting away.

The same goes for the garbage that people throw. Those who carelessly toss trash on the ground, spitting their phlegm and discarding their cigarettes. The earth is merely spat upon and insulted by them, yet it remains silent. I was exactly the same. I simply harbored everything directed at me for a very long time.

My inside became utterly filled with the garbage they carelessly threw. They have no awareness of what they have done. Yet, because of that garbage, I became contaminated and defiled.

My decision to sever ties with everyone was a blockade against the garbage-throwers who hurl their filth. It was an act of will to prevent them from defiling my territory any longer, and a battle to protect what is mine. I have no intention of communicating with people. I desired true relationships, but most people have resolved to live merely as bystanders. They are bystanders to everything. Bystanders to success, and bystanders to failure. They are not even the judges; they are just the passersby shouting beside the judge. Since they only sought pleasure without responsibility, they will bear no responsibility whatsoever. And therefore, they lack the right to ascend to any higher ground—for they are incapable of carrying weight.

I till the soil. I rebuild my sanctuary, which has been broken down for so long. I listen to the voice of the earth. I taste the earth. I inhale the scent of the earth.

No matter what comes, I have no intention of mixing with anyone ever again. Lush green trees fill the land, living organisms that eradicate all pollution thrive, and a river of cool, living water flows by my side. I have already given enough. I will not grant them what belongs to me.