The hearing that is only in the ears is one thing. The hearing of the understanding is another. But the hearing of the spirit is not limited to any one faculty to the ear, or to the mind.
ZhuangziRead
The enlightened attention rejects nothing nor welcomes anything-like a mirror it responds equally to all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that true enlightenment involves a neutral, accepting state of mind, much like a mirror reflects all things without preference.
This quote by Zhuangzi emphasizes the importance of cultivating an enlightened perspective that does not cling to desires or aversions. Just as a mirror reflects whatever is placed before it without bias, an enlightened individual interacts with the world in an open and accepting manner, responding to experiences without preconceived notions or judgments. This mindset can lead to greater peace and understanding in life.
Themes
EnlightenmentAcceptanceNon-AttachmentNeutralityMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a meditation workshop to encourage participants to adopt a non-judgmental mindset.
More from Zhuangzi
All quotes βEither in conflict with others or in harmony with them, we go through life like a runaway horse, unable to stop.
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When people do not ignore what they should ignore, but ignore what they should not ignore, this is known as ignorance.
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The true man of the past waited upon Heaven when dealing with people and did not wait upon people when dealing with Heaven.
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The mind remains undetermined in the great Void. Here the highest knowledge is unbounded. That which gives things their thusness cannot be delimited by things. So when we speak of 'limits', we remain confined to limited things. The limit of the unlimited is called 'fullness.' The limitlessness of the limited is called 'emptiness.' Tao is the source of both. But it is itself neither fullness nor emptiness
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All the fish needs is to get lost in the water. All man needs is to get lost in Tao.
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