It seems what is held in the mind's eye can be likened to the reflection on a lake's surface.

In ancient Chinese philosophy the idea of the moon on the lake is considered to represent the reflection of observed reality within our mind. A problem occurs when we often mistake the reflected object as reality istelf.

By trying to touch the reflection of the moon on water - as if it were a cheese for us to grasp and eat - we cause the reflection to be distorted and broken, and we in fact grasp nothing - not even the substance of the mind (the water) - and we lose the the thing we were looking at as we break the flat, perfect surface of the pool.

In order to witness reality in it's purest sense, it appears we must ensure that the surface of the lake in our mind is still. Any ripples or pressures on the surface will cause reflections to become distorted.

In order to keep the reflection clear, it seems we must remain calm no matter the circumstances, otherwise any commotion within us will cause the lake surface to be changed.

Too often we appear to mistake the reflection on the surface of the lake as something real. Sometimes, when the lake has been disturbed, things can appear twisted and distorted - things we once thought were ordered and beautiful - like a prety face reflected in a crazy hall of mirrors. In such cases we often react as if we are confronted with a demon. Such panic can cause the lake surface to be distorted foruther, and so more chaos ensues.

Practicing remaining calm safe in the knowledge that the reflection on the surface of the water is not real appears to hold potential for anyone to lessen the amount of chaos in their lives. Maintaining calmness in all situations can thus be seen as the 'default mode' for anyone wishing to gain a true understanding of reality.