Introduction.
A proverb handed down in ancient times: "The eighth king of a thousand years, the turtle of ten thousand years" carries a profound philosophical meaning, and its conciseness contains a strong cultural heritage. However, the second half of this proverb is little known and becomes a mysterious unsolved mystery.
Although the first half of "The Eight Thousand Years of Kings, Ten Thousand Years of Turtles" is widely circulated, the second half of it is often forgotten and has become a buried classic. This article aims to dig into the full form of this ancient proverb, revealing its follow-up content and its deeper meaning. While tracing ancient wisdom, this article will lead readers to demystify the mystery behind this proverb and explore the meaning and implications behind it.
1. Praise and legend of longevity.
Wang Ming, an old man in his late teens, has spent most of his life in the countryside. When talking about his childhood, he is always full of energy and passion. "I remember that at that time, every household in the village kept turtles. We children often catch them and play with them, making all kinds of observations and pranks on them. Wang Ming recalled.
These "pranks" made Wang Ming deeply impressed with the turtle. "They symbolize longevity, longevity. When I was a child, I heard from my elders that turtles can live for 100 years, and some can even reach 200 or 300 years old, far exceeding the human lifespan. Wang Ming was amazed.
Wang Ming still remembers that when he was six or seven years old, a merchant selling turtles came to the village. Merchants drive horse-drawn carriages, and in front of them are bamboo cages containing turtles, each of which is particularly active. "The merchant said that this was the 'puberty' of the tortoises, and that was when they were full of energy. Wang Ming added.
After that time, the villagers became more determined about the turtle's longevity. And the saying "thousand-year-old tortoise" has spread. Initially, it was just a figurative depiction of the turtle's long lifespan, but gradually, people began to give it a deeper meaning.
There is a centenarian in the village who, despite his sluggish appearance, is in unusually good health. The villagers were amazed at the extraordinaryness of this old man's "thousand-year-old tortoise". This compliment comes from the bottom of my heart. The old man was happy about this, and happily said that he was in the ** period of the "thousand-year-old turtle".
A few years later, when the old man died, someone carved the words "Millennium Turtle" on his tombstone as a memorial. This tombstone has become a place for the villagers to pay their respects to the elderly, and the saying "thousand-year-old tortoise" has taken deep root in their hearts. Subsequently, because Wang Ba also belongs to the long-lived turtle class, the expression of "thousand-year-old king 80,000-year-old turtle" was derived. “
Although Wang Ba is small, he is extremely difficult to deal with. It can remain in the water for a long time, as if it is an inexhaustible vitality. The villagers described it this way. As a result, this proverb has come to be seen as a blessing for those who live a long life.
2. The gradual change of irony.
As time passed, so did the rural scene. Those memories of childhood and youth gradually faded as Wang Ming entered old age. Looking back now, Wang Ming lamented his naughtiness back then, "We can tease them all day long until they are too tired to move." I remember one time we tied a balloon to a turtle and sent it into the air, and it was badly injured when it fell. Wang Ming said reproachfully.
Xiaohe, who grew up with Wang Ming, passed away ten years ago. Xiaohe indulged in his life and thought that he could live as long as a "thousand-year-old turtle". However, in his later years, he suffered from a serious illness. On his deathbed, Xiaohe regretted that his intemperance in his youth led to the eventual tragedy.
Xiaohe's experience sounded the alarm for Wang Ming. He began to realize the preciousness of life and reflect on the frivolity of his youth. Wang Ming gradually realized that longevity is not perfect, and it is more important to stay healthy. "Happiness does not come twice, but disaster does not go alone. ”
I've heard the elders say that behind a long life there is always endless suffering. Because you are to see your lover and friends depart from you. In the end, you are alone, although you live and die, this feeling is indescribable. Wang Ming said with emotion.
There is also an old man named Zhang Quan in the village, who is 80 years old this year. Despite his long life, his blessings did not seem to be abundant, and he spent his days doing nothing but coveting money. The villagers were sarcastic about his longevity, believing that he had "lived too long". The existence of some people is reminiscent of another saying: "Blessing is like the East China Sea, and longevity is better than Nanshan." It seems that Zhang Quan only has the lifespan of Nanshan, and lacks the blessings of the East China Sea.
Therefore, the praise of "the thousand-year-old king and eighty-thousand-year-old tortoise" gradually faded, and instead became a ridicule and ridicule against those who are cunning and rudder in the wind.
3. The neglected "hundred-year-old rabbit".
Zhang Quan is not only physically strong, but also extremely cunning in thinking. He always plans all kinds of businesses and is happy to take advantage of others. The villagers lost the last patience for his selfishness and cunning.
Once, Zhang Quan planned to make Wang Ming suffer a loss in a lawsuit. Obviously, Zhang Quan is behind this turmoil**. But he did not have any remorse on his face, but was proud of his "cleverness". The villagers were indignant at this, believing that Zhang Quan, the "Eighth King of the Millennium", lacked the demeanor of an elder, and their attitude towards Zhang Quan became cold.
On this day, Wang Ming was in a heavy mood and complained to the villagers about Zhang Quan's cunning, comparing him to the elusive "hundred-year-old rabbit". These words made the villagers feel something.
Uncle Li took over the conversation: "Uncle Wang is right! Zhang Quan is calculating everywhere, how can we ordinary people be good? This is exactly the truth of 'no one chases the rabbit for a hundred years' - a long life but a bad heart, but it has become a tool to harm others and oneself. Everyone agreed, and their hearts were filled with righteous indignation.
After some discussion, Uncle Li said slowly: "Actually, if you think about it, it's no wonder that people like Zhang Quan are there. The days of their real hard work in this life are numbered, and it has become their habit ......to rely on manipulating others for profit, which has become their habitWhen you meet such a 'thousand-year-old king', you don't need to worry too much. Avoid it. ”
After hearing this, everyone agreed. Wang Ming also felt relieved, thinking that Uncle Li's words were indeed reasonable-in the face of the "Millennium King Eight", why bother asking for trouble. In the future, it is best to stay away from people as difficult as the "Centennial Rabbit". Only by maintaining kindness and acting uprightly can we be worthy of our own conscience and that of others. Living to be old, learning to be old, and understanding tolerance is also a kind of cultivation.
**10,000 Fans Incentive Plan Conclusion.
As the years go by, we pursue longevity, but we do not necessarily understand that immortality is not necessarily a blessing. Wang Ming's life witnessed the transformation of the saying "thousand-year-old king and eighty-thousand-year-old turtle" from the beauty of the original intention to irony, from which he realized the true meaning of life. True longevity lies in the growth of the soul, not only to experience the baptism of time, but also to improve the mind. This wisdom comes from a peaceful and wise state of mind.
The "Eighth Millennium King" in the story, although he has a long life, has never learned to cherish and treat life kindly. They have been going down the wrong path all their lives, and eventually they are lonely and old. And those elders who have good intentions and good behavior are always full of dignity and warmth in their old age. What really makes life shine is the heart that matures with the years. Therefore, living to old age, learning from old age, and holding a kind heart is the best interpretation of life. This is the wisdom of life that Wang Ming draws from this story.