The fourth tone is originally a reference to the Buddhist principle of standing apart from dependency and the suffering all attachment brings. When we are Self-Existing, we have personal autonomy; we start to embolden ourselves to make our own footprint instead of following blindly. Entering into the Self-Existing tone is like the moment when a toddler takes its first step – a gleeful individuation as life apart from its mother becomes increasingly more intriguing than close intimacy with her.
