Forget things, forget the sky, its name is forget yourself. Those who forget themselves are said to enter the heavens. (Zhuangzi).
This verse tells the story of Confucius asking Lao Tzu, and before that, we have basically clarified the question of how to understand the Tao from the dimension of heaven and earth
If it is said that the Tao is the inner and foundation that forms all things, then for people, there is another layer of meaning, that is, the premise of virtue;
The so-called virtue refers specifically to the need for people to obey the will of the TaoThis is probably the meaning that Lao Zhuang gives to Tao and Virtue!
It is not difficult to understand from this,Only the existence of human beings makes the Tao have practical significance;
This is one of the reasons why Zhuangzi, when he expounded the essence of the Tao, placed special emphasis on people who exist in reality
Correspondingly, his imaginary images, feudal people, Bo Chengzi Gao, and so on, as the embodiment of the Tao, are only intended to contrast with people;
If Yao is a symbol of power, then Lao Tzu is the real protagonist in this section, and his appearance will teach people howFrom the perspective of the common people, it is conceivable that this must be more in line with people's psychological expectations.
Confucius consulted Lao Dan and said, "Can a person who specializes in studying the Tao in an attempt to grasp the inner workings of the Tao deviate from the essence of the Tao?"That is, to ask whether attainment of the Tao depends on learning
Lao Tzu's answer is noAny pursuit that is too utilitarian will not really achieve the desired goal, let alone enlightenment!
Lao Tzu said: "These are just clever insect carving skills, just like catching a dog that is good at hunting, a monkey that moves quickly, and wants to use it to realize his wishes, how can he improve his realm?""The Tao is not attached to anyone, so it is far from easy to attain the Tao
It is known that the dog that is good at hunting, at the moment of catching it, its instinct has been lost, and then it wants to let its role be fully played, unless it is allowed to return to the mountains and forests where it lives;
The same is true of the swift monkey, and the same is true of the Tao, which is detached from the environment on which it depends, and the result will only be contrary to reality;
BecauseThings have their own nature, and so do people, who have their own hearts and want to attain enlightenment, unless they reach the state of self-forgetfulness
Isn't it?Only those who forget themselves will truly become one with nature.
About author] Yezi, whose real name is Li Shengchun, is a native of Zhengyang County, Henan Province. He is the author of masterpieces such as "West" and "East". The current manuscript "Reading Zhuangzi".Imitate with reference to the 9 verses of heaven and earth