(Hsihu, Formosa, 1995, oil painting, 88 x 63cm)
This work depicts two men playing the paradoxical roles of the Yin and Yang forces in human nature caught in the world of illusion. Thus they are engaged in a fatal duel of positive versus negative, the real versus the false. So engrossed in combat are they that they fail to realize the need to reconcile their differences and cooperate with each other in order to escape the mundane world, symbolized by the fire burning slowly around them. The figures are oblivious to the cold and aloof woman (an instrument of the King of Maya) contemptuously sneering, "You are under my control. I have all the time in the world to play with you. There's no hurry. Take your time roasting slowly in the fire. Take your time enjoying this suffering!" (Note: The fire in the background of Master's painting is low, dim and burning very slowly.)
The painting reminds us not to be beguiled by the illusory world that seems so real. Only through spiritual practice in the footsteps of an enlightened Master will we rise above mundane illusions and find eternal Truth.
