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
During the Warring States period, Yue Yi led an alliance of five states to attack the State of Qi. The people of Qi, along with Tian Dan, held steadfastly to the cities of Ju and Jimo, ultimately securing victory. The idiom "Never Forget Being in Ju" has since been used to encourage people to remember hardships and setbacks as motivation to reclaim success.
Taking a path aimed at gaining fame and recognition, like a “shortcut to Mount Zhongnan,” may indeed bring some public acclaim or personal gain. However, such a route lacks genuine sincerity and true ability. When the motives and goals are misaligned, this path ultimately proves unsustainable. True success cannot be achieved through shortcuts; one must remember that there is no authentic shortcut to a fulfilling life.
During the pre-Qin period, numerous schools of thought emerged, each focusing on different aspects of statecraft and society. Han Feizi, a prominent philosopher of the Warring States period, disagreed with the Confucian and Mohist ideas of his time. In his work “Interpreting Ying’s Writings as Yan’s Words,” he criticized an approach to scholarship that forces connections where none truly exist. Through his analysis, he highlighted the dangers of baseless interpretations, satirizing how random successes in understanding are often mistaken for principles to live by, even though they may lack universal value.
The example of "adding firewood to extinguish the fire" has been prevalent since ancient times. Especially during the Warring States period, incessant warfare and annexation among states led to dire living conditions for the populace. The fragmented vassal states either formed alliances to avoid attacks or initiated wars to plunder neighboring territories. This resulted in some defeated states resorting to ceding land and seeking peace, yet such a strategy of "adding firewood to extinguish the fire" ultimately led them on a path to demise.
"Uncooked millet yet, a lifetime dream spent" is used to metaphorically depict everything experienced in the real world, ultimately fading away like a fleeting dream. In life, we often believe we possess many things, but when facing the end of life, do we similarly lament that life is like "Uncooked millet yet, a lifetime dream spent"?
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.