Zen teaches that if you leave behind the knowledge and all that is contained in this knowledge – your name, personality, everything, because it was given to you by others, if you leave behind everything that was given to you by others, your being will possess completely different quality – innocence. It will be a crucifix of personality and the resurrection of your innocence. You will becomeachildagain. You will be reborn.
The old man depicted on this card radiates a joy into the world similar to that of a child. He is surrounded by a sense of benevolence. He feels at home with himself and with everything that life has brought his way. It looks like he is playfully interacting with the mantis that is sitting on his finger, as if they were best friends. The cascade of pink flowers surrounding him represents the time of liberation, relaxation and freshness. These flowers are a response to his presence, a reflection of his own qualities.
The innocence that comes from the deep experience of life is similar to that of a child, but it is not childish.The innocence of children is beautiful, but ignorant. It will be replaced by distrust and doubt as the child grows up and learns that the world can be dangerous and frightening. However, the innocence of a fully lived life has the quality of wisdom and acceptance of the ever-changing miracle of life.