Simplicity in life, maintaining equanimity, understanding the art of letting go, and embracing the natural course of events.
Such individuals possess serene minds and tranquil souls, leading lives of exquisite simplicity and profound beauty.
In the way of human conduct:
Those of lower consciousness tend to complicate matters, while those of higher consciousness embrace simplicity.
The Tao Te Ching states, “Too many colors blind the eye; too many sounds deafen the ear; too many flavors dull the taste; chasing desires and indulging in hunting madness the heart; rare treasures obstruct the path.”
An excess of colors bewilders the eye, an excess of sounds overwhelms the ear, an excess of flavors disrupts balance, unbridled pursuits lead to restlessness, and the pursuit of rare treasures often prompts unethical actions.
Therefore, the sage focuses on sustaining basic existence, selectively choosing and letting go.
Less is more, and more is less.
The more one desires, the more calculations cloud the mind, causing perpetual anxiety.
In the end, amidst all the unease, nothing substantial remains.
Some travelers visit Shanxi and marvel at the grandeur of ancient estates. Once resplendent, now mere keys in the hands of unrelated individuals.
Be the simplest of beings, partake in the humblest meals, and lead the most unpretentious lives.
In the complexity of the world, learn to simplify amidst intricacies, preserving inner tranquility and comfort.
The wisdom of life lies in staying true to oneself, returning to one’s essence; simplicity, in its plainness, is authentic.
In social interactions:
Those of lower consciousness assert dominance, while those of higher consciousness exhibit humility.
Laozi teaches: “The highest virtue is like water.”
Those who are accommodating, like water, although gentle, have the power to encompass all things.
Being amiable, choosing one’s words and actions thoughtfully, leaving room for others, not getting entangled in trivial matters—this creates a positive impression.
Good impressions naturally foster good relationships, paving the way for smooth interactions.
Water, with its gentle persistence, pierces even the hardest stone. The seemingly unyielding stone will eventually succumb to the fluidity of water.
“Fill it to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening a blade and it will blunt.”
Excessive sharpness leads to inevitable loss.
When dealing with others, avoid excessive self-centeredness and dominance. Be affable and accommodating.
Life is not a competition; there’s no need to contest every issue for right or wrong, victory or defeat.
Be affable, maintain inner calmness, comprehend the art of concession and showing vulnerability.
Of course, being amiable doesn’t mean compromising one’s principles.
Laozi says, “All things carry yin and embrace yang, they achieve harmony by combining forces.”
Harmony is not static; it’s a state of equilibrium amidst competition.
For matters of principle, one should stand firm, not vacillate, and avoid being wishy-washy.
That is true amiability.
In the art of well-being:
Those of lower consciousness “nourish,” while those of higher consciousness “follow.”
Sima Qian described Laozi: “Indeed, Laozi lived for over a hundred and sixty years, some say over two hundred years, due to his cultivation and nourishment of life.”
As the royal historian of the Zhou dynasty, Laozi possessed unique wisdom about the art of well-being.
Modern people have various unique approaches to well-being, such as selective eating and intense exercise.
The esteemed scholar Ji Xianlin remarked, “It’s common to see people in their forties restricting their diet, avoiding egg yolks and animal organs, and dining with great trepidation, as if walking on thin ice. This demeanor, while aspiring for longevity, ironically leads to a life filled with anxiety.”
In the Tao Te Ching, it is said: “Embrace simplicity, hold on to stillness, and the ten thousand things arise together. I watch them return.”
True well-being doesn’t focus on the body; it nurtures the soul.
An individual’s mental state significantly influences their physical well-being.
In modern times, people create numerous constraints in the pursuit of well-being, living each day with trepidation. Such a mindset, in itself, signifies defeat.
Laozi asserts: “Man follows Earth, Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Tao, the Tao follows what is natural.”
True well-being lies in harmonizing with the natural order. Maintaining an ordinary state is sufficient; there’s no need to overly supplement or practice excessively.
“Whatever is meant to be will be, don’t overly worry.”
Moderate well-being, going with the flow, is the healthiest way to live.
In the art of strategizing:
Those of lower consciousness “gather,” while those of higher consciousness “release.”
Be it in schools or businesses, they are upheld by people.
The ability to bring people together is fundamental, but 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, Three gives birth to the ten thousand things.”
“The Tao” gives rise to myriad phenomena, from simplicity to complexity.
“The ten thousand things” symbolize nature’s myriad forms, each having its intrinsic nature.
The best companies know how to inspire their employees, not exploit them with rigid constraints.
Excellent education encourages children to express their innate qualities, fostering their curiosity for learning.
All things have an inherent drive for improvement. The best management method is to guide and stimulate, not control and suppress.
Such natural processes are the most precious and enduring.
John Dewey says, “Education is growth.”
Good education shouldn’t stifle; it should know when to relax.
Let children find their suitable domains, don’t impose excessive restrictions, allow them to follow their nature, and grow freely. This is genuine education.
Simplicity in life, maintaining equanimity, understanding the art of letting go, and embracing the natural course of events.
Such individuals possess serene minds and tranquil souls, leading lives of exquisite simplicity and profound beauty.
