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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that clarity and understanding come from a calm and still state of mind, similar to how still water is clear.
Zhuangzi's quote illustrates the idea that just as still water can be clear and free from disturbance, a calm and composed mind can achieve greater clarity and insight. It encourages us to seek stillness in our thoughts and emotions to unlock deeper understanding and creativity, emphasizing the importance of mental tranquility for personal growth and wisdom.
Themes
MindClarityStillnessWaterWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation workshop, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of mental stillness.
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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