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
If water derives lucidity from stillness, how much more the faculties of the mind! The mind of the sage, being in repose, becomes the mirror of the universe, the speculum of all creation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A calm and focused mind reflects greater clarity and understanding.
This quote by Zhuangzi suggests that just as still water becomes clear, a tranquil mind enhances one's perception and intellect. When the mind is at rest, it can reflect the world around it more accurately, allowing deeper insights into life and existence. It emphasizes the importance of mental peace in attaining wisdom and understanding.
Themes
WaterMindStillnessClarityWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation workshop, to emphasize the importance of stillness for mental clarity.
More from Zhuangzi
All quotes →Either 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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