The Way of Being: Individuals of lower stature tend to be intricate, while those of higher spiritual realms embrace simplicity.
In the “Tao Te Ching,” it is stated: “Too many colors blind the eyes; too many sounds deafen the ears, too many tastes spoil the palate; indulging in hunting makes the heart go wild; rare treasures lead people to unethical means.”
An abundance of colors bewilders the eyes, an excess of sounds confounds the ears, and an overabundance of tastes creates disharmony. Unrestrained hunting agitates the body and mind, and coveted treasures often drive people to unscrupulous actions.
Hence, the sage strives only to maintain essential sustenance, selectively embracing and discarding.
Less is more, and more is less. The more one desires, the more calculations ensue, disrupting inner peace and causing perpetual anxiety.
Restlessness prevails, yet in the end, nothing is retained.
Some travel to Shanxi and marvel at grand ancestral homes, once resplendent, now owned by unrelated individuals.
Being the simplest of beings, consuming the humblest of meals, leading the most uncomplicated lives.
Amidst the complexity of the world, mastering simplicity governs intricacy, preserving inner tranquility and comfort.
The wisdom of life lies in adhering to one’s true nature, returning to one’s essence. Simplicity is the epitome of authenticity.
The Art of Living: Those of lower stature assert dominance, while those of higher spiritual realms exhibit flexibility.
Laozi imparts: “The highest virtue is like water.”
The adaptable are akin to water—gentle yet encompassing, able to accommodate all things.
To be agreeable, one must leave room in speech and action, avoiding unnecessary conflicts. Others will then form favorable impressions, leading to good rapport. Good rapport widens one’s path.
Water, though soft, eventually pierces through even the hardest stone.
“He who holds fast to the Great Image, can go on a long time: he who is overbearing in action, will hasten to a conclusion.”
Those asserting dominance, with their excessive sharpness, will eventually suffer losses.
When interacting with others, avoid excessive self-centeredness and dominance; be flexible and congenial.
Life is not a competition; there is no need to contest every right or wrong, victory or defeat. Be affable, maintain inner peace, and understand the art of yielding and showing vulnerability.
Of course, being agreeable doesn’t mean compromising principles.
Laozi says: “All things carry Yin and embrace Yang, achieving harmony by blending the breaths of both.”
Harmony is not static; it’s a balanced state within competition.
Issues of principle should be defended with reason, avoiding vacillation, and steadfastness. This is genuine agreeableness.
The Way to Health: Those of lower stature focus on “nourishment,” while those of higher spiritual realms follow the natural flow.
Simultaneously, Sima Qian spoke of Laozi: “Laozi lived for over one hundred and sixty, some say over two hundred years, due to his cultivation and longevity practices.”
As a historian of the Zhou royal family, Laozi possessed unique wisdom regarding health and longevity.
Modern individuals employ various unique methods for health, such as selective eating and high-intensity workouts.
The venerable Ji Xianlin remarked: “It’s common to see people in their forties start to be picky eaters, avoiding egg yolks and animal organs. They approach meals with trepidation, as if walking on thin ice, a pitiful sight. With such an attitude, how can one expect a long life? It’s a contradiction!”
In the “Tao Te Ching,” it is stated: “Empty the mind, be still, observe all things in their entirety. All things return to their roots. To return to the roots is to be still. To be still is to fulfill destiny.”
True health pertains not only to the body but also the mind.
An individual’s mental state significantly influences their physical well-being.
Modern people create various pitfalls in the name of health, living in constant apprehension. Such a mindset is a defeat in itself.
Laozi asserts: “Man follows Earth, Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Tao, the Tao follows what is natural.”
Genuine health involves aligning with the natural order, maintaining equilibrium, and not overly pursuing supplementation or cultivation. “Accomplish but do not boast, accomplish without showiness.”
Moderate health, going with the flow, represents the healthiest way of life.
The Art of Strategy: Those of lower stature “hoard,” while those of higher spiritual realms “release.”
Whether in schools or businesses, they rely on people for support.
The ability to gather people is fundamental, yet more crucial is the ability to manage them.
Laozi states: “The Tao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two, Two gives birth to Three, and Three gives birth to all things.”
The “Tao” gives rise to all things, from simplicity to complexity.
“Generating all things,” it is a natural tendency, a spontaneous and organic development inherent in all things.
The finest companies understand how to stimulate employees’ enthusiasm instead of simply exploiting them through rigid regulations.
Outstanding education encourages children to unleash their innate qualities, kindling their interest in learning.
Everything possesses an inherent drive for improvement. The best management approach involves guidance and stimulation, not control and suppression.
This natural inclination is both precious and enduring.
Dewey states: “Education is growth.”
Good education does not constrict but knows how to relax.
Allow children to find their suitable fields, refrain from imposing too many restrictions, let them follow their natural inclinations and grow freely. This is excellent education.
Embrace a simple life, maintain flexibility, let go, and go with the flow.
Such individuals possess a serene and tranquil mindset, leading a simple yet beautiful life.
