Chinese Philosophy
With the soaring flight of the Kun and Peng in Zhuangzi's allegory, it instantly unfolds our realm of existence and spiritual domain, providing us with an infinite cosmic perspective and liberating our spirits from corporeal constraints. When the spirit transcends the body, the "mind" is no longer confined within narrow physical bounds. Furthermore, deep subjective cultivation, open-minded perspectives, the spirit of equality and enrichment, and the aesthetic sensibility of empathy, all contribute to navigating the vast waves of existence, finding contentment in every corner.
If Zhuangzi's philosophy could be summed up in one word, it would most fittingly be "wandering," or more precisely, "carefree wandering." If expressed in two words, it would be "wandering mind," indicating that the mind is in a state of "wandering." So, how can we transition from a closed mentality to an open mindset, allowing our spiritual horizons to infinitely expand? Concepts such as "Encounter with the divine without relying on mere sight," transforming the discipline of the Dao's "non-action" into a serene and harmonious living environment, a soul imbued with aesthetic sensibilities, and the transformative "great accumulation" akin to the changes of the Kun and Peng, are all messages that Zhuangzi seeks to impart to us.
Despite the later decline of Mohist philosophy, which was once considered on par with Confucianism, they established numerous "Mohist Dialectics" principles two to three millennia ago, rivaling contemporary logic. These rules illuminated the landscape of Chinese intellectual history. Regrettably, due to the barriers of ancient and modern texts, many subsequent generations remain unaware of their brilliance.
Amidst the torrential flow of worldly desires, Laozi advocates a return to simplicity and authenticity. He, as a sage who penetrates the mysteries of the universe, reveals to humanity that the "Way" of nature should be the model to emulate. Only by embodying the selflessness, non-desire, and non-action of nature, as seen in "doing good to all without contention," can one attain the state of “achieving everything without striving”. Laozi's philosophy emphasizes cultivating a deep, tranquil, and serene inner world through "emptying one's mind."
Confucianism, as the mainstream ideology in our country, has been the most profound school of thought influencing our people for two to three millennia. Confucius, the founder of Confucianism and a revered sage, embodies this tradition. However, when it comes to Confucius, although he is well-known, many individuals have never delved into a deep understanding of him. In reality, Confucius is warm yet upright, dispelling the seemingly austere or detached figure that some might assume. His thoughts and actions are profoundly humane.
Idiom Story
Yelang was located within the present-day Guizhou province and was isolated due to formidable mountains, hindering external communication. This isolation led the locals to be unaware of the vast territory of the Han Dynasty, resulting in the expression "Yelang thinks too highly of itself" to describe shallow knowledge and arrogance.
"Birds can be caught by a net at the door" is used to describe the situation when those in power or in official positions face neglect from others after losing their authority. Later, it is also commonly used to depict the scenario of businesspeople facing a lack of customers due to poor business or a deserted establishment.
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Sun Jing and the Warring States Period's Su Qin, two individuals, employed rigorous self-discipline and unwavering commitment to their studies. Their remarkable achievements, combined and condensed by later generations, gave rise to the idiom "Hang from a Beam and Stab the Thigh." This idiom vividly describes the arduous journey of one's fervent dedication to learning. While the methods employed by Sun Jing and Su Qin may not be prevalent in today's society, we believe that individuals who share the same spirit of self-motivation and strive for self-improvement in various ways can achieve a wide range of accomplishments.
The idiom "three men make a tiger" originated from the historical records of "Strategies of the Warring States." It stems from the time when King Hui of Wei sent his crown prince as a "hostage" to the state of Zhao, accompanied by the prominent minister Pang Cong. Pang Cong, fearing that he might be falsely accused by political rivals after his departure, met with king of Wei before leaving. He used the story of "three men make a tiger" as an analogy, hoping that the king would not be swayed by rumors and would maintain his trust in him.
The well-known idiom "a cunning rabbit has three burrows" originates from the story of Feng Xuan, a retainer of Lord Mengchang of the Qi state during the Warring States period. Feng Xuan helped Lord Mengchang create three secure locations, allowing him to navigate the complexities of the era and achieve a prosperous and safe life. This idiom is often used to describe someone who plans carefully and thinks ahead.
Cao Gui discusses warfare, saying, “the key to victory in battle lies in the spirit of courage and morale: at the first drumbeat the Qi soldiers’ spirits were raised. On the second time, their spirits declined. Finally, on the third time, their spirits had been exhausted. Their spirits were exhausted while those of our soldiers' still brimmed. Consequently we defeated them.” Originally, it referred to ancient battles, where the first drumbeat was the most invigorating for soldiers' morale. Later, it was used metaphorically to emphasize the importance of seizing the right moment and using the initial burst of energy to achieve success in endeavors.