From stillness comes the Way, virtue from humility, blessings from simplicity, and life from harmony.
His method of making the 'qin' wasn't particularly special; he 'fasted with a calm mind,' meaning he restrained and calmed his thoughts during his fasting.
Zhuangzi also tells the story of 'a wooden statue.' He trained a 'qilin' (a mythical beast) for forty days until it had no reaction to other 'qilins.' 'When looked at, it seemed like a wooden statue.'
Virtue arises from humility. I Ching: Humility is the foundation of virtue.
Humility and respect. This person's virtue is constantly increasing, and their understanding is constantly expanding.
Humility is a feeling of reverence for all things. This reverence comes from respect.
Constantly joyful and happy, carefree and amiable, polite and respectful to others, without arrogance. This is a person of 'ultimate virtue.' If they don't possess the highest virtue, they can't do it.
Humble people follow a rule of kindness to others, refusing to associate with arrogant people and refusing to insult themselves to retaliate.
Humility is modest in behavior and generous in spirit; often kind, certainly rewarded richly; insightful, widely absorbing, analyzing oneself, facing life directly, certainly opening wisdom, certainly having many friends.
Humble people follow a rule of kindness to others, refusing to associate with arrogant people and refusing to insult themselves to retaliate.
Humility is modesty in behavior and generosity of spirit; often kind, certainly rewarded richly; insightful, widely absorbing, analyzing oneself, facing life directly, certainly opening wisdom, certainly having many friends.
Blessings arise from frugality.
A person's blessings come from frugality, clemency and thrift.
Clear and serene mind like water, clear water is like a clear mind. Gentle breeze, no ripples. Restlessness comes from the heart, stillness comes from the spleen. To cultivate oneself, one must cultivate one's nature; calm the heart with serene air.
Not burdened by possessions, not needing people, a peaceful state of mind; not taking for oneself, and calling it wealth; not humiliating oneself for others, and calling it honor. Those who are frugal and serene are the wealthiest.
Frugal in diet, not harming the stomach; frugal in socializing, avoiding excessive gatherings; frugal in desires, enjoying oneself freely, naturally blessed.
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Yang Zhen, a famous official, was very frugal and honest. Someone secretly sent gold to him at night, and Yang Zhen refused. The person said, 'No one will know.' Yang Zhen sternly replied, 'Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, I know, how could no one know?'
Yang Zhen established a good family tradition. His son, grandson, and great-grandson were all teachers to the emperors, and they were three high-ranking officials for four generations. Their contributions were immense, so it's said that 'blessings arise from frugality.'Life arises from tranquility.
During the Qing Dynasty, the famous physician Zhang Peiren said in 'The Fragrant Hall Collection of Writings: 'When people are constantly joyful, the vital energy is full and the five organs are peaceful. In the past, 'good nourishment and loving spirit' refers to this.
A person's ability to live a long life depends on whether their heart is at peace and flowing smoothly.
Carrying a calm and ordinary heart, accepting all things with naturalness, and behaving calmly. This not only contains profound life wisdom, but also contains the secret to a long life.
A peaceful heart also means good relationships with people, communication and exchange with people, which helps to soothe loneliness and emptiness.
