In the body, the mind holds the position of the prince. The functions of the nine apertures resemble the separate responsibilities of officials.

If the mind is at rest at the Way,
The nine apertures will function properly.
Should lust and desire occupy it to the full,
The eyes will not see colours; the ears will not hear sounds.
 

Therefore is it said;If the person on high departs from the Way, those below will be lax in their work.

“In the body, the mind holds the position of prince. The functions of
the nine apertures resemble the separate responsibilities of officials.”
The ears and eyes are the sense organs for seeing and hearing.If the mind does not interfere with the activities of seeing and hearing, the sense organs will be able to maintain their separate functions. Now if a person’s mind is filled with desires, his eyes will not see when things pass by, nor will his ears hear when there are sounds. Therefore the statement says: “If the person on high departs from the Way, those below will be lax in their work.” Hence it is said: “The art of the mind lies in controlling the apertures through no assertiveness.” Consequently, the statement refers to it as “prince.”

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