In the ancient wisdom of the East, the Tao Te Ching, with its profound philosophical thoughts and unique expressions, has left endless thoughts for future generations. Chapter 41 of the description".When the sergeant heard the word, he acted diligently; When the sergeant heard this, if he survived, he died; When the corporal heard this, he laughed. Not laughing is not enough. Therefore, there are suggestions: if the way is ambiguous; If you retreat; The road is rude; Upper Dejo Valley; If Guangde is insufficient; Jiande if he steals; The quality is true; Great white and humiliating; Generous; Late bloomer; Loud Voice; Elephants are invisible; The road is nameless. The husband is the only way, and the loan is good. ”It reveals the depth and characteristics of the "Dao" for us, as well as people's different attitudes towards the "Dao".
As the core concept of the Tao Te Ching, "Tao" is an existence that transcends conventional cognition. It is both intangible and tangible; It is both concrete and abstract. It exists in all things, but it transcends all things. Therefore, the understanding of "Tao" requires people to break the conventional thinking mode and explore it from a new perspective.
When the sergeant heard the word, he acted diligently; This quote tells us that those who truly understand the Tao will not hesitate to devote themselves to the practice of the Tao. They understand that Tao is not only a philosophical thought, but also a way of life. Only through continuous practice and experience can we truly comprehend the essence of the Tao.
And "the sergeant said, if he survives, he will die." It describes those who have some understanding of the Tao but do not go deep enough. Their attitude towards the Tao is half-convinced, sometimes they feel that the Tao exists, and sometimes they feel that the Tao is illusory. This attitude shows that their understanding of the Tao is not deep enough and needs to be further studied and explored.
As for the corporal," he heard and laughed. It reveals those who know nothing or misunderstand the Tao. They think the Tao is absurd and unrealistic, and they scoff at it. However, Lao Tzu believes that it is the ridicule of these people that proves the transcendence and extraordinaryness of the "Tao".
Lao Tzu also listed many characteristics of the "Tao", such as "the way is clear", "the way is retreating", etc. These characteristics reflect the depth and unfathomability of the Tao. They tell us that the Tao is not static, but constantly changing with time and space. Therefore, the understanding of the Tao requires people to maintain an open and flexible attitude, and to constantly adapt and comprehend. Tao Te Ching Revelation
Ignorance": People who truly understand the Tao look like they are confused.
In the process of pursuing the "Tao", sometimes it seems that you are retreating, but in fact, it is to move forward better.
The flat "road" looks like it is bumpy.
"Upper Dejo Valley": A person with high moral character is often as humble as a valley.
If the broad virtue is insufficient": people with vast moral character, but always feel that they are still insufficient.
If you steal virtue": A person who really builds merit seems to be lazy.
"Genuine sincerity sometimes seems to be changing.
"Great white": the purest white, but it looks like it is dirty.
"Generous": true generosity, no edges and corners, inclusive of everything.
"Late bloomer": Truly valuable utensils that need to be honed for a long time to complete.
"Loud sound": the loudest sound, often silent.
"Elephant invisible": the greatest image, often invisible.
The Tao is anonymous": The real "Tao" is obscure and anonymous, and it needs to be deeply explored and understood.
In the exploration of life, the Tao is like a beacon that guides us in the direction of progress. It tells us that the meaning of life is not the pursuit of external wealth and status, but the pursuit of inner peace and contentment. Only when we truly understand and practice the Tao can we attain true happiness and satisfaction.
It also reminds us to maintain an attitude of humility and self-reflection. Don't be complacent about your little accomplishments, and don't be discouraged by the ridicule of others. Only by constantly learning and making progress can we better understand and practice the Tao.
The "Tao" described in Chapter 41 of the Tao Te Ching is closely related to the exploration of life. It tells us to have the courage to explore and practice the "Tao", not to be confused by superficial phenomena, and to strive to understand and practice the true "Tao". Only in this way can we go further and more steadily on the road of life.
Fei Wenzhong. 2024-03-05 in Suzhou Kongdeju.
The wisdom of heaven and the choice of life in the Tao Te Ching.
Due to the rules of the platform, you will only be recognized as a fan if you have more interaction with me. It's not easy to create, if you like my article, you can click above[Wenzhong Three-style Chinese Studies].Add a "follow", and you can receive the article push as soon as you become a fan.