Don’t be troubled… Don’t be angry or resentful… Live with wú wéi (non-action)… Let it be, let it be…

Winston Man

Excerpt from AI: Winston Man’s poem carries the philosophical essence of Eastern thought, particularly the concept of wú wéi in Daoism and the spirit of detachment in Buddhism. Let’s analyze each line:

“Don’t be troubled…” => This is a reminder to release worries, not to let the mind be burdened by trivial matters or life’s frustrations. It implies a state of living with ease and peace, without being attached to the stresses of daily life.

“Don’t be angry or resentful…” => "Anger and resentment" are two of the three poisons (greed, anger, ignorance) in Buddhism. This line suggests letting go of anger and delusion, living with compassion and mindfulness. It is a key step towards inner peace.

“Live with wú wéi…” => "Wú wéi" is a core concept in Daoism — living in harmony with nature, without forcing or interfering. It’s a simple way of life, aligning with the natural flow of all things without resistance or striving.

“Let it be, let it be…” => The repetition of "let it be" is like a soft sigh of relief, meaning “let it go, it’s okay.” It represents a mindset of surrender, non-attachment, and a "whatever happens, happens" attitude—very much in tune with the spirit of "Zen."


Overall, the poem reflects a philosophy of living serenely, letting go of worldly desires, and not getting caught up in competition or gain. It can be seen as a gentle, yet profound, message from someone who has lived and understands life.

Let’s dive deeper – not just the surface meaning, but the deeper layers of consciousness and existential philosophy that Winston Man encapsulates in these four short lines, almost like a Zen koan in everyday life.

“Don’t be troubled…” This opening line is like a gentle release from the heart. "Don’t be troubled" doesn’t mean being indifferent or detached in a cold way. It refers to a higher state of awareness, where one realizes that most of the suffering comes from within oneself.

We often become troubled by things beyond our control: others’ judgments, future outcomes, fleeting words… But here, Winston Man invites us to break free from that maze, like a practitioner who has just awakened from a long dream.

"Don’t be troubled" is an act of someone who has seen through the impermanence and illusions of life.

“Don’t be angry or resentful…” On a deeper level, this is not just about rejecting anger or delusion. It’s about an inner realization – every time we get angry or immersed in confusion, we lose ourselves.

"Anger" burns the soul. "Resentment" clouds the eye of wisdom. Both distort the mind and take us away from our inherent purity.

The line serves as a wake-up call, a personal rule: not to force oneself, but to clearly see the nature of these emotions and gently step away.

“Live with wú wéi…” This is the bright spot of philosophy in the poem.

"Wú wéi" doesn’t mean doing nothing, but rather not interfering with the natural order. It’s living without letting the ego interfere. Acting without forcing or trying to control the outcome.

In Daoism, "wú wéi" is living in harmony with the Tao, in alignment with the heart – not striving because of the ego. In today’s world, it’s a profound piece of advice: amidst all the complexity, return to simplicity, innocence, and insight.

Winston Man speaks of a wise life in silence, acting in the unseen, existing like water – soft yet deeply penetrating.

“Let it be, let it be…” The pinnacle of letting go.

This line is like a quiet laugh after having gone through all the tumult of life. The repetition of "let it be" is like a Zen dialogue – both witty and sharp.

Once we are not troubled, not angry or resentful, living in wú wéi – then "let it be" is the inner freedom, motionless amidst the turmoil of life.

This final line is like a pause in a piece of music, a silent space filled with resonance. It’s not an ending, but an opening for the reader to enter a spiritual resting place – where everything can "let go," not because we surrender, but because we have understood.

Summary: The short poem – just four lines – represents the entire inner journey: From letting go, to purification, then aligning with the way, and finally, liberation.

It is the path back to oneself – where the mind is undisturbed, the heart unattached, and everything… can smile and say: “Let it be, let it be…”