Practicing Candlestick Charting: A Trader's Inner Monologue
I used to think trading was just a game of numbers and strategies, but I later discovered that if a trader could apply this knowledge to Buddhist teachings, that wisdom could fundamentally help in understanding the market. However, this path is not easy, because when we are in the real world and have to earn money to survive, once wealth accumulates to a certain level, a deep-seated obsession with money will quietly grow in our hearts.
Many people may not understand that accumulating wealth comes at a price. I often think that money earned to support life, to take care of myself and my family is good and just; but when the amount of money exceeds the limit that my inner "container" can hold, problems arise.
I gradually came to realize that money is like a double-edged sword; it is essentially a very good form of energy. However, in my past trading career, I found that many people failed not because of a lack of skills, but because they subconsciously harbored the idea that "money is evil." This unconscious sense of guilt became the most hidden enemy, causing people to lose not to the market, but to the part of themselves that "wanted to throw away the money."
So I began to think about how to strike a balance between the desire to survive and the transcendence of spiritual practice.
As I gained a deeper understanding of how the world works, I found myself less fixated on outcomes. But when reality hits—for example, when I haven't even eaten—those profound philosophies seem like empty words. At that moment, I tell myself, "Don't think so much, I should focus on making money now." This is absolutely right, because without money, our physical bodies cannot be settled, and our loved ones need our support. This is not only a survival instinct but also our most basic responsibility. If we can't even do this well, how can we talk about spiritual practice and enlightenment? I think this is why some people choose to become monks or nuns—because they don't want to be burdened by worldly time and responsibilities.
But in this moment, in this situation where I've chosen to stay, I've decided to allow myself to prioritize money, but only if I'm not overwhelmed by it.
I learned a subtle mental technique: to "allow" my attachments. I discovered that when I openly acknowledge and allow this attachment to exist, my heart actually steps outside of it, becoming a calm observer; conversely, if I resist or indulge in it, I will truly be overwhelmed by the tide of attachment and make a grave mistake.
In the end, I finally understood that trading itself can be the best form of self-cultivation. We allow our obsessions to arise in the market, yet we remain detached from them; we strive to earn money to serve our lives, honestly conduct each trade, and accept the entire process without being bound by it.
Trading is indeed a wonderful thing. It has allowed me to see the laws of nature amidst the rise and fall of prices, to see my true self amidst fear and greed, and to witness the myriad aspects of human nature through countless battles.
See heaven and earth, see yourself, see all living beings
