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 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
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the complexity of existence and the interplay between fullness and emptiness.
Zhuangzi's quote explores the fundamental nature of reality, suggesting that true knowledge transcends conventional boundaries. It contrasts the notions of fullness and emptiness, indicating that the Tao, as the ultimate source, embodies both aspects without being confined to either. The quote invites contemplation on the limitations of human understanding and the expansive essence of the Tao.
Themes
MindKnowledgeEmptinessFullnessTaoLimits
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophical debate about the nature of reality, one might cite this quote to illustrate the limits of conventional understanding.
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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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All the fish needs is to get lost in the water. All man needs is to get lost in Tao.
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Where is that man who has forgotten words that I may have a word with him?
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