What Lao Tzu said

Taoist philosophy

Taoism was one of the most important schools in hundred schools of thought during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period in China. Taoism originated very early. According to legend, Xuanyuan Huangdi had the idea of harmony between man and nature.

Generally speaking, it is recognized that Laozi was the first person to establish Taoism in the Spring and Autumn Period, and Laozi elaborated it in detail in his book Laozi (Tao Te Ching).

Other representatives of Taoism include Zhuang Zhou, Li Yukou, Hui Shi and others in the Warring States Period. Taoism advocates the natural world outlook and methodology, and respects Huangdi and Laozi as founders, which is called Huang Lao.

The core of Taoist thought is "Tao", which is regarded as the origin of the universe and the law governing all movements of the universe. Laozi once said in his works: "Things are born in harmony, and they are born naturally. Little ha! How rare! Independent and unchanging, it can be the mother of heaven and earth. I don't know its name, but it is a strong name "(Chapter 25 of Laozi).

In the early years of the Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Wen of Han and Emperor Jing of Han ruled the country with Taoist thoughts, so that the people could recuperate from the tyranny of the Qin Dynasty. History calls it the rule of cultural scene. Later, Confucian scholar Dong Zhongshu advocated the policy of "ousting a hundred schools of thought and respecting Confucianism alone" to Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty, which was adopted by later emperors. Taoism has since become a non-mainstream thought. Although Taoism has not been officially adopted, it continues to play an important role in the development of China's ancient thoughts. Neo-Confucianism in Song and Ming Dynasties was developed on the basis of integrating Taoist thoughts.

Taoism was later absorbed by Zhang Lu's Five Mi Dou Daoism and other religions, and evolved into one of the important religions in China-Taoism. Romantic in Wei and Jin Dynasties paid more attention to alchemy when talking about metaphysics. So Taoism and Taoism are often confused.

basic concept

Taoist philosophy first got rid of the approach of Confucian social philosophy, directly cut into the principle of the operation of heaven, and developed the philosophy of "Tao" with natural meaning and neutral meaning as the main. The operation of heaven has its natural principle, and the philosophy of Tao is to understand the connotation of this principle, so as to put forward a lively and comfortable world space. Taoist philosophy has developed a completely different social philosophy from Confucianism through its infinite and persistent understanding of this world operation order. Society is only the object of one party's existence, and people living in it should have their own freedom of independence and self-existence, not bound by any ideology. Taoist philosophy basically does not deny the Confucian social ideal, but the attitude towards social responsibility does not exist first, but it can have an attitude and orientation of existence that respects people's autonomy more.

Taoism attaches importance to the freedom and liberation of human nature. On the one hand, liberation is the liberation of people's knowledge and ability, on the other hand, it is the liberation of people's life mood. The former puts forward the cognitive principles of "learning is getting worse and worse" and "this is also right and wrong", while the latter puts forward the ways of dealing with the world with modesty, weakness, softness, Zen and become a butterfly.

Taoist social philosophy is not aggressive and positive, because society is just a process of heaven, not an end in itself. Taoism believes that the social ideal of Confucianism is reasonable, but not absolute, so there is basically no need to put forward a set of decisive social ideals, because the change of heaven itself does not have the absolute expression of right and wrong, good and evil, so Taoism emphasizes more the principle of wisdom to survive in society, and this wisdom must be an effective way to survive in any historical situation. It is precisely because the social philosophy of Taoism does not pay attention to its own development norms, but emphasizes the wisdom of coping, which is conducive to people's needs of self-cultivation, so the treatment of Huang Lao in the early Han Dynasty has an experimental theoretical basis. At the same time, after thousands of years of frustration with the official culture based on Confucianism, China literati can also have a vast spiritual world to live smoothly.

Thoughts of important philosophers

The theory of Taoism is based on Laozi. Laozi's "Tao Te Ching" has 5,000 words. The book extensively discusses the metaphysical significance of Tao and the wisdom of life, and puts forward the origin theory of the natural universe, that is, it is composed of things and exists independently. It also puts forward the ontological thought that the principle of the existence and operation of the world is "moving against the Tao" For human beings living in it, what they should learn is the wisdom of dealing with the world, so Lao Tzu. But the point is to protect our health, not to create civilization. It can be said that he responded to the chaotic world situation with a set of social philosophy and theory based on wisdom, and did not intend to create a new atmosphere in society, because those were not the foundation of the road.

Zhuangzi is the most important pioneer of Taoist theory after Laozi, and Taoist philosophy is basically Laozi and Zhuangzi. The difference between Zhuangzi's Daoism and the old school is that Zhuangzi dealt with the relationship between man and nature and man's pioneering ability in detail, including wisdom, cognitive ability and physical strength. Zhuangzi also stood on the basis of the proposition that heaven is natural, and set out from the cultivation of human beings, and put forward the way to deal with the whole society and country. The seven works in Zhuangzi's book are his theories from world outlook to epistemology to Kung Fu to social philosophy.

Liezi was born in the Warring States Period. There are eight existing Liezi, written by Zhang Zhan in the Eastern Jin Dynasty. It is generally believed that this book reflects the thoughts from the Warring States to the Wei and Jin Dynasties. Liezi, based on Taoist thought, reformed the outlook on life of inaction in Taoist thought, emphasized the positive role of human beings in nature, and believed that the best living condition of human beings was not afraid of heaven.

Wang Bi was born in the Three Kingdoms period. When the development of Confucian classics in Han dynasty has come to an end, social politics has been in a turbulent and unfair situation, and intellectuals have turned to the atmosphere of metaphysics. With his profound understanding of Laozi's philosophy, Wang Bi annotated Laozi's Tao Te Ching, emphasizing the difference between body and use, which not only carried forward the spirit of the old school's interpretation of the Classic, but also annotated the Book of Changes based on this principle, and even changed it from the Han Dynasty.

Guo Xiang, a native of the Western Jin Dynasty, is famous for his Notes on Zhuangzi. He advocates that the theory of "individualization" is a metaphysical concept theory developed from highly abstract thinking. He believes that everything in the universe was born in the accidental "mysterious" realm, so he advocates a spirit that conforms to the situation of everything and respects every life equally.

development period

The origin of Taoism should be an ancient hermit tradition. Of course, some scholars say that Laozi is the guardian of the Qing Dynasty. In a word, the origin of Taoism is by no means an active participant in social politics. They observe the world situation from a bystander's point of view, seriously think about the real picture of the universe, and describe the laws of heaven and personnel changes in highly abstract and ideologically persistent language, which belongs to the level of principle research. When the two sons of Lao Zi and Zhuangzi in the pre-Qin Dynasty compiled the Outline of Taoist Thought, the depth of Taoist metaphysics immediately influenced the metaphysics of Confucianism and Legalism. Confucian Yi Zhuan and Han Feizi's Jie Lao are both new theories based on their theories. However, as far as the actual influence of social politics is concerned, Lao Zi's theory was not formally tested until the rule of Huang Lao was implemented in the early Han Dynasty, because after the end of the social war between Qin Chu and Han in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, people finally discovered the harm of fighting for power and profits and the importance of recuperation, so they attached importance to the political philosophy of the principle of learning from the old. When the Western Han Dynasty was strong, the kings began to rejoice, and wars broke out again year after year, and the atmosphere of the times changed again, and then it became corrupt. When the talk of Wei and Jin dynasties began, Taoist philosophy began to have vitality again. Yanhe and Wang Bi pioneered the hermeneutics of Zhuang studies. Wang Bi went deep into Taoism and explained it theoretically with concise and powerful hermeneutics works. Xiang Xiu and Guo Xiang developed the hermeneutics of Zhuang studies. After the Wei and Jin Dynasties, Taoist thought did not reproduce the distinctive creative tradition, but the logical path of Taoist thought became an important inspiration for the creation of Taoism, the Book of Changes and Confucianism, especially from Zhuangzi's gasification world outlook, which was developed more extensively and deeply. At the same time, the spread of Buddhism was expressed by the wisdom principle of Taoism for a long time, which was called "Geyi Buddhism" period.

Contribution to China culture

The contribution of Taoism to China culture is as important as that of Confucianism, but its political thoughts are different. The depth and dialectic of Taoist theoretical ability provide a creative source for all other traditions of China's philosophy. As for the influence of Taoist culture on China's art, painting, literature, sculpture, etc., it occupies an absolute dominant position, even if the performance of China's art is the performance of Taoist art, it is not an exaggeration. Of course, Taoist philosophy also provides a flexible space for China's political activities, so that China intellectuals will not be obsessed with the pursuit of officialdom and their devotion to life because of their strong Confucian political ideals, but will be able to find a way to advance and retreat more easily and understand the wisdom between them.

We should have a simple understanding of Taoism.

Tao can be extraordinary, and name can be extraordinary.

These two sentences are the deepest thoughts of Laozi, but they are also the simplest truth.

In fact, the two sentences have the same meaning.

The actual division should be: Dao, Ke Dao and Extraordinary Dao. It can also be divided into: Tao can be, Tao can't be, and Tao is often. The meaning is simple, but there are many, just like a strange mountain, different people see it differently. There is no conclusion. This is the most mysterious and profound place in the Tao Te Ching, which is actually the meaning of this sentence.

Tao, the way of heaven and earth. Tao, everyone can get Tao. It's extraordinary, but nothing in the world is eternal. (Some versions are non-constant Tao) Together, it means that everyone has the Tao of heaven and earth, but everything in the world is not constant. Not white enough? That would be whiter!

Ding Bai Translation: The rules formulated by Lao Zi, the heavenly king, are actually not that complicated. Everyone can appreciate this "mysterious and mysterious" way as long as they observe their surroundings attentively, love life and enjoy life. But don't forget that the Tao in the world is not eternal. Everything has life and naturally dies. Laozi's moral classics are not the embodiment of truth, and will be overthrown and replaced sooner or later. In fact, there is no unchangeable truth in this world, which is the way of everything in the world.

Tao can be done, Tao can't be done, and Tao is constant. In fact, this is also roughly the truth.

Tao can control everything in the world.

Tao is wrong, but no matter how big it is, it will be overthrown and knocked down.

Constant Tao, the only constant Tao in the world is this Tao, and everything has a beginning and an end.

These two methods have the same meaning. In fact, you can try to split these six words, no matter what method you use, the meaning is the same, which also subtly reflects the central idea of the Taoist cycle of everything and the constant rotation of Taiji. This is the greatest wisdom of Lao Tzu.

Hehe, in fact, the fundamental idea of Laozi is self-nature, normality, harmony and circulation.

As long as you are happy, safe, see through yourself and tolerate others.

You can already be regarded as a disciple of Lao Tzu!

1. According to historical records, Lao Tzu was born in the ancient county of Chu (now Guoyang County), and his surname was Li, Ming Er and Ming Bo Yang. He lived between 57 1 year and 47 1 year, and once worked as a Tibetan herdsman in the Zhou Dynasty. Laozi is a great ancient thinker known to our people. The classic Tao Te Ching written by Laozi initiated ancient Chinese philosophy. His philosophical thoughts and the Taoist school he founded not only made important contributions to the development of China's ancient ideology and culture, but also had a far-reaching impact on the development of China's ideology and culture for more than two thousand years.

Jialaozi story

Laozi was born.

In the summer and June of 576 BC, the monarch of the State of Song died, and the right teacher Huayuan was in charge of state affairs. The Huan family headed by Zuo Shi has long been interested in politics, but it is helpless and unable to do so. See * * * male died today, want to take the opportunity to uprising. Because the plot was not secret, the wind leaked, and the Dai family headed by Huayuan was expelled from the Song State. Since then, he was appointed as the left ambassador, old Zuo Wei Sima and Le Yi as Scott; Li Xinjun, this is Gong Ping Song.

Shi Yu led more than 200 Huan people to flee to Chu, where they lived for three years. In the summer and June of 573 BC, the State of Chu attacked the State of Song, conquered Pengcheng (now Xuzhou, Jiangsu) of the State of Song, and made Yushi and Yufu the guarding city, leaving 300 chariots to help defend the city.

King Song Ping summoned his courtiers to discuss this matter and asked, "The enemy is strong and we are weak, and the Chu soldiers invaded Pengcheng, which is my confidant! If you sit back and watch, there will be endless trouble! Who will pull out this fortress for me? " As soon as the voice fell, a humanitarian came out of the class: "I am willing to go!" " When Wang Ping looked at it, he saw that the man was two feet tall, with heavy eyebrows, broad cheeks and broad shoulders, and powerful. It turned out to be Sima Lao Zuo. Huayuan expressed concern and said to Ping Wang, "Fish and stones are cunning, but fish houses are ferocious. Pengcheng has a strong force, with 300 chariots and 3,000 guards. Although Sima is heroic, vigorous, brave and difficult to win. " Lao Zuo said according to the truth: "Fish and stones are worms that eat books; In the fish house, a dog is tied with a chicken. What are you afraid of? Lao Zuo is willing to take his family around Pengcheng, and the city can't refuse to return it! " Wang Ping promised. Zuo Wei, an old general, led twenty thousand troops to recover Cheng Peng.

It is said that Song besieged Pengcheng and attacked it day and night. The old assistant was brave and powerful, and took the lead, which greatly boosted Song Jun's morale. Within half a month, the defenders of Cheng Peng were in danger. One day, Fish Stone and Fish House were supervising the battle on the city. When they saw that there were many Song soldiers and soldiers, all of them were brave, and everyone scrambled to climb the city. I saw another general, wearing a silver helmet and armor, riding a white horse, galloping on the battlefield and dispatching troops. A Chu will ask, "Whose song will this be?" Fish stone replied: "It's the new Sima and the old assistant, the siege generals." Chu generals talked about it one after another: "The siege commander did not look at the enemy's position behind the army, but suddenly attacked from left to right in front of the army. How can he not boost morale! In this way, Pengcheng is too dangerous! " But Shi Yu is a calculating man. He said to his men, "things will fail, things will fail." There are many examples in history. How do we know that our army will fail? " Lao Zuo is brave and fearless, which is the foundation of his success; Self-willed and arrogant, which is the root of his failure. How do you know his army will win? "General chu asked," Zuo's seems to have a plan. What's the good plan? " Fish stone replied: "The two armies confronted each other. Whether they are handsome in the front or in the back, we must play it by ear. Now that Song Bing is attacking the city, the master should come forward and gallop with an arrow. This is a military taboo! I have a subtotal. If we stick to the plan, it's hard to say whether Song Jun will succeed. "

It turned out that Shi Yu had his men stab Lao Zuo in the back. Lao Zuo was supervising the war in front of the army when suddenly an arrow flew in and stabbed him five inches in the chest. Unfortunately, he fell off his horse and died. Song Jun leaderless, flight, scattered.

Lao Zuo's family is in a tent in Song Ying, with several maids, dozens of generals and dozens of guards. Suddenly I heard that Lao Zuo had been killed, and I saw an army coming like a flood. Many families will drive in a hurry to protect the old lady from escaping. Fighting and fleeing, in the evening, although the pursuers had disappeared, the old lady was left with only two maids and a driver. Home will not dare to stop, Dai Yue in the dark, desperate, ran along the southwest. At dawn the next day, I came to a remote village and asked the villagers about the way to Songdu. They all shook their heads and said they didn't know Home will only know that it should go west, but I am already in the south. A group of four people walked along the path for seven days, but they still didn't see the capital of song dynasty, but they came to Xiangyi (now Lu Yidong, Henan Province). Walking, the old lady suddenly felt a stomachache. It turns out that the old lady was pregnant in July. Old Zuo Wei kept his promise in front of you and fought with him as soon as possible with a winning heart. At this time, the old lady was defeated, lost her husband, fled to other countries, was anxious, tired, and even had fetal movement in her abdomen, and the pain was unbearable. When the servant girl panics, the family will stop at the roadside and rush to the village to find the old woman. However, in a short time, I heard the cry of "wow, wow" from the van, and a premature baby boy was born. This is Lao Zuo's son-Lao Zi. I was born with a weak head, wide eyebrows and wide ears, bright eyes like abyss beads and a double nose. Because its ears grow up, it is named "Yong"; Because he was born in the Year of the Tiger (57 BC1), his relatives and neighbors also called him Xiao Li, which means "Little Tiger". Because people in Jianghuai area call "cat" "raccoon dog" with the same pronunciation as "Li Er". Over time, Lao Dan's nickname "Beaver" became the famous "Li Er", which was handed down from generation to generation.

Seeing the poor mother and son, the midwife let a family of five live in her house. Lao Zhang runs a pharmacy for a living. His surname is Chen, and his name is Chen Laodi, so everyone calls him old lady Chen Mama. Mother Chen, childless, kind and warm, gave up three west wing rooms to live with the old lady's family. When the old lady was in danger, she was grateful to meet this kind person. Although displaced in the war, but after all, a large family, carrying soft clothes is enough. In addition, the family will often help Mr. Chen make a living, and the two maids will take care of the housework and make a living. Since then, the wife and children of Lao Zuo, the war general of the Song Dynasty, have been living in the state of Chen.

A clever boy

Lao Dan was very clever since he was a child. He was quiet and eager to learn. He often pesters his family to listen to the rise and fall of the country, the success or failure of the war, sacrifices and divination, and stargazing. The old lady wanted her son to become a dragon, so she hired an old gentleman from Shang Rong who was proficient in the rites and music of Yin merchants. Shang Rong knows astronomy and geography and is deeply respected by the Lao Dan family.

One day, Professor Shang Rong said, "Man is precious between heaven and earth, and king is the foundation among ten thousand people." Lao Dan asked, "What is heaven?" The gentleman said, "Heaven is clear on earth." Lao Dan asked again, "What is a clean person?" Mr Tao; "Qing people are empty." "What's up in space?" Mr. Wang said, "Above the space, those who are clear are also clear." "What's on it?" "Above the Qing Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty was clearer." Lao Dan asked again. "What is the end of the Qing Dynasty?" The teacher said: "The sages have not been passed on, and the ancient books have not been published. Fools dare not talk nonsense." In the evening, Lao Dan asked his mother with his doubts, but she could not answer; Ask the general, home will be speechless. So I looked up at the sun, moon and stars and thought about what the sky was like. I couldn't sleep all night.

Another day, Professor Shang Lao said, "In Liuhe, there is no figure in heaven and earth. There is a sky in the sky, a land in the earth, human relations, and physical properties with the sky, so the sun, the moon and the stars are feasible; There is geography, so mountains and rivers can become; Some people are related, so they can be divided into generations. It has physical properties, so it is long and brittle. " Lao Dan asked, "Who drives the sun, the moon and the stars? Mountains and rivers, who made them? Who decided to divide the generations? Long and short, who can tell? " The gentleman said, "God did it." Lao Dan asked. "Why can God do it?" Mr. Wang said, "God has the power to change. The work of creation can be done. " Lao Dan asked, "Where does the power of God come from? When will the power of God be ready? " The teacher said, "I didn't pass it on, and the ancient books were not published." I dare not talk nonsense. " In the evening, Lao Dan asked her mother doubtfully, but she couldn't answer. Ask the general, home will be speechless. So I thought about things and touched things, and I didn't know the taste of rice for three days.

Another day, Professor Shang said: "The monarch is the person who manages the world on behalf of heaven; The people and the monarch's land are also heavily guarded. If you don't do God's will, it will be abolished, and if people don't do it, they will be guilty. This is the way to govern the country. " Lao Dan asked, "People's livelihood is not the king, and it is against the king's pastoral management. Your birth was providence. What brought you back to God? " Mr. Wang said, "God sent you to manage the world for heaven. Sheng Jun is like being outside; If you are not here, your life will not be affected. God didn't receive it when you were born. " Lao Dan asked: "God has the ability to change and create. Why not make a king who obeys orders?" The master said, "The sage has not been passed down, and the ancient books have not been published. I dare not talk nonsense. " In the evening, Lao Dan asked his mother with his doubts, but she could not answer; Ask the general, home will be speechless. So, I asked the people of Xiangyi to travel all over the land of Xiangyi. When it rains, I don't know how wet it is and how to blow it in the wind.

One day, Professor Shang Lao said, "The most important thing in the world is harmony. If you lose peace, you have to pay the price. If you pay for it, you will be disabled. If you are disabled, you will get hurt. If you get hurt, it will be harmful. Therefore, if you benefit others, you will benefit yourself, and if you harm others, you will harm yourself. " Lao Dan asked: "The world is not harmonious and people are suffering great harm. Why can't it be cured? " Mr. Wang said: "Civil strife is a small loss of peace; If you lose a small sum, you will get a small disaster, but you can cure it. The struggle between countries is the loss of great peace; If you lose a lot of money, you will get a catastrophe. When disaster strikes, how can we handle it ourselves? " Lao Dan asked, "If you can't manage yourself, why can't God heal you?" The teacher said: "The sages have not been passed on, and the ancient books have not been published. Fools dare not talk nonsense. " In the evening, Lao Dan asked his mother with his doubts, but she could not answer; Ask the general, home will be speechless. So, I visited people in Xiangyi and read books in Xiangyi. I don't know whether it's hot or cold in summer.

Go to school for a week

After teaching for three years, Mr. Shang came to bid farewell to the old lady and said, "I have little knowledge, but I have great wit. I have taught for three years."

I came to say goodbye today, not because my old professor has no end, nor because I am not diligent in my studies. Actually, I've learned everything. Desire is endless, but not sleepy. Yong Er, the son of Zhiyuan Tuhong; Xiangyi, a remote and isolated place. If you want to remove impurities and turn them into jade, you need to go to Zhoudu for further study.

Zhou Du is a sea of classics, a cloud of sages, a sacred place in the world, and it is difficult to achieve great things unless you enter its territory. Grandmother Jia was puzzled when she heard this: A horse is twenty-three years old, and Song is still difficult to return. Last week was not like nine days. Second, the old man only left this one. How can he rest assured that he is alone? I hesitate to know how to answer. Unexpectedly, Mr. Wang guessed it was difficult. He quickly said, "To tell you the truth, my brother is a doctor from Zhou Taixue. He is knowledgeable, broad-minded, loves the sages, cultivates people for a living, and is willing to help and recommend them. The figures of child prodigies in China are all elected by the people. Do not provide food and clothing, treat them as their own children.

After listening to the old man's words, the doctor knew that Yong was studious, thoughtful and intelligent. He has long wanted to see him. Recently, several domestic servants passed by here, especially told Mrs. Shu that they planned to take Yong 'er to see Zhou. This is a golden opportunity, please cherish it! Grandmother Jia could not help but feel mixed feelings. "。 Sponsored by Mr. Xi, Yong Er is destined to enter the week and has the road to the Dragon Gate; Sad mother and son, when can we meet? Thought of here, Yong Er seems to have been thousands of miles away, so I feel sad, tears streaming down my face. Lao Dan threw herself into her mother's arms and sobbed, "Mother doesn't have to be sad. I will never disappoint my teacher's high hopes. When my career is successful, I will definitely pick up my mother as soon as possible! " Say that finish, mother and son embrace and cry.

After crying for a long time, the mother and son turned from joy to joy, which was recommended by Teacher Xie. Three days later, the whole family and Mr. Shang sent Lao Dan five miles away. Lao Dan bowed one by one, mounted his horse and walked west with the doctor's servant. The old lady looked at Yong Er from a distance, then got into the car gloomily and returned gloomily. "

I went to see Zhou, went to see a doctor, went to imperial academy, and learned astronomy, geography and human feelings. Poetry, books, book changes, calendars, rituals, music, everything, cultural relics, laws, history books, everything. He made great progress in three years. The doctor also recommended him to be an official in the Tibetan room. The sutra depository is a collection of ancient books in the Zhou Dynasty, which is full of articles and books from all over the world. Lao Dan is among them, such as Youlong entering the sea, and the sea is wide by Yue Long; Like an eagle spreading its wings in the blue sky, the sky is high and birds can fly. Hungry for food, Lao Dan read widely and gradually got better, knowing the source of rites and music and the purpose of virtue. Three years later, he moved to keep the history of the Tibetan room, which was well-known and spread internationally.

Professor Kong Qiu.

Lao Dan has lived on Sundays for a long time. His knowledge is getting deeper and deeper, and his reputation is getting louder and louder. In the Spring and Autumn Period, learned people were called "Zi" to show respect. Therefore, people call Lao Dan "Lao Zi".

One day in 538 BC, Confucius said to his disciple Nangong Shu Jing, "The Tibetan room of the Zhou Dynasty guarded Lao Dan, making the past serve the present, knowing the source of rites and music and the importance of virtue. I want to ask Zhou for advice today. Would you like to go with me? " The nangongshan ShuJing readily agreed, and immediately report to lujun. Lujun allows this. Send a car, two horses, one son and one imperial palace, and Nangong Jingshu will accompany Confucius. I'm glad to see Kong Qiu coming all the way. After the professor left, I invited Kong Qiu to visit Dr. Changhong. Changhong is good at music, giving Kong Qiu music rules and music theory; Kong Qiu's introduction of sacrificial ceremonies, his inspection of missionary sites and the etiquette of temple fairs made Kong Qiu sigh and benefit a lot. Stay a few days. Kong Qiu said goodbye to Lao Tzu. Lao Dan sent him out of the building with a message: "I heard that the rich give people money and justice gives people words. I am neither rich nor expensive, and I have no money to send you; I'd like to send you a few words. In today's world, smart and knowledgeable people are almost dead, because they are good at mocking others' mistakes; Those who talk eloquently and are smart, are always in trouble, just to publicize the evil of others. As a son, don't think highly of yourself; As a minister, don't put yourself first. I hope you remember. " Kong Qiu nodded: "Disciples must keep it in mind!"

Arriving at the bank of the Yellow River, I saw the river surging and the turbid waves rolling, with the momentum of Ma Benteng, the sound of tigers roaring and the sound of thunder. Standing on the shore, Kong Qiu sighed: "The deceased is like a husband, staying up all night! The water of the Yellow River is rushing, and people's years have passed. The river doesn't know where to go, and life doesn't know where to go? " After listening to Kong Qiu, Lao Tzu said, "Between heaven and earth, life and heaven and earth are one. Heaven and earth are natural things; Life is also a natural thing; People are young, young, strong and old, just like the alternation of spring, summer, autumn and winter in heaven and earth. What is sadness? Born in nature, died in nature, let it be natural, and nature is not chaotic; If you don't let nature run, you will be bound by nature. If fame exists in your heart, you will feel anxious; If you want to stay in your heart, you will have more troubles. " Kong Qiu explained: "I'm worried about the road. I can't do it, I can't do it, I can't do it, I can't stop fighting, I can't cure the country's chaos. So my life is too short to contribute to the world and sigh for the people. "

Laozi said, "Heaven and earth have no push, the sun and the moon are self-evident, the stars are self-ordered, and animals are born without man-made. This is natural, why bother people? " People are born as human beings, so they have nothing, so sharing weal and woe means that there is a natural principle and a natural way. Only by following the principles and ways of nature can the country be autonomous and the people be self-righteous. Why should we talk about rites and music and advocate benevolence and righteousness? It is far from human nature to talk about rites and music and advocate benevolence and righteousness! Just like a person who beats a drum to escape, the bigger the blow, the farther people escape! "

After a pause, Lao Tzu pointed to the Yellow River and said to Kong Qiu, "Why don't you learn the virtue of water?" Kong Qiu said, "What is the virtue of water?" Laozi said: "Being good is like water: water is good for everything without contention, which is the virtue of humility;" Therefore, Jiang Hai can be the king of all the valleys, and if he is good at it, he can also be the king of all the valleys. The water in the world is not weak, and the strong can't win, which is also gentleness; Therefore, softness wins, and weakness wins. Because it has nothing, it can enter without trace, which shows that the teaching without words is also beneficial to inaction. "Kong Qiu suddenly realized:" Sir, this sentence made me suddenly enlightened: people are in the water, and the water is lonely; Everyone is easy, and water is alone; Everyone is clean, and water is alone. Who can contend with the evil people do? This is why it is good. " Lao Tzu nodded and said, "You can teach me! You can remember: if you don't fight against the world, no one in the world can compete with it, which is to imitate Shuide. Water is more than Tao: Tao is everywhere, water has no disadvantages, avoid heights, never oppose, and be good at its place; The empty place is quiet and unfathomable. Goodness is deep; Losses are inexhaustible, efforts are unrequited, and kindness is also benevolent; You must rotate, you must fold, you must stop, you must flow, you must be kind and trustworthy; Wash the filth, smooth it out, and handle things well; There is a load floating, a clear reference, a strong attack, and a good use of energy; It's also good for you to stay up all night and fall behind. Therefore, saints can do whatever they want, and saints should change because of things; Wise men govern by doing nothing, while great men live in harmony with the weather. After you come here, besides your desire for appearance, you should be arrogant in words. Otherwise, people will smell it before they arrive, and the wind will move before it arrives, walking in the street like a tiger. Who dares to use you? Kong Qiu said, "Mr. Wang's words came from the heart and entered the disciple's heart and spleen. Disciples have benefited a lot and will never forget it. Disciples will be obedient and tirelessly grateful to the teacher for his kindness. " Say that finish, say goodbye to Lao tze, and reluctantly get on the bus and head for the Nangong.

When they returned to Lu, the disciples asked, "Did you go to see Lao Zi?" Confucius said, "See it!" The disciple asked. "What about Lao Zi?" Confucius said, "Bird, I know it can fly; Fish, I know it can swim; Beast, I know it can walk. Pedestrians can be tied with nets, swimmers can catch them with hooks, and fliers can shoot them with arrows. As for dragons, I don't know why. Dragon riding storm for nine days! I can see Lao Tzu, but is he still a dragon? Knowledge is unfathomable, and interest is high and difficult to know; As a snake bends and stretches at any time, as a dragon changes in time. Lao Dan, you are my teacher! "

Talking about life and death

It is said that he was appointed as the history of Zhou Shoucang and visited his mother several times in China, trying to persuade her to go to Zhou with him. His mother has lived in Chen Xiangyi for a long time, and she is familiar with the land and doesn't want to move too far. How time flies! More than 30 years have passed in a blink of an eye. One day, Lao Dan suddenly got a message from home that my mother was dying, so he reported to the Emperor and went home to visit the province. When I got home, my mother had died. Facing a pile of loess on the vast land, thinking of her mother's heroic spirit under the grave, recalling her kind face and nurturing grace, Lao Dan was heartbroken, eating and sleeping, sitting on the floor, meditating, and suddenly found himself stupid; Looking for the reason, I suddenly realized, relieved, relieved, and hungry and tired. So I ate a big meal and fell asleep.

The general and the maid were surprised. Wake up and ask why. Lao Dan replied, "People are born in the world, and they are sentient and wise. Family, so the interpersonal relationship is harmonious and warm; If you are wise, you will understand and understand, but the directors will not be confused. Love and wisdom are incidental; A wise man is the master of love. With emotions, people are stupid and things are upside down; With intelligence, people are smart and harmonious. My mother's kindness is like a mountain. Today, my mother left, and my feelings are hard to break. Love is hard to break, and so is human nature. Without wisdom, it is difficult to decide, and it will be chaotic, so I am very sad and don't want to live. Today, I was sitting and meditating, and suddenly I had wisdom. I can control my feelings with wisdom, so my feelings can be controlled and things can be adjusted. Love can be controlled and things can be managed, so I have to eat when I am hungry and sleep when I am tired. "

The master will ask, "How does wisdom unify feelings?"

"People are out of thin air; From scratch, it must be from scratch. When there is no mother, there is no love between mother and child; There are mothers and mothers, and there is a mother-child relationship; Mother goes to stay, mother is ruthless, and son is unique; Without mother, there is no love. Isn't it the same without human feelings and without human feelings? Isn't it stupid to indulge in love and sadness? Therefore, the love of flesh and blood is hard to break, people are like this, and they are also suitable for love; If you don't make a decision, it's difficult to make a decision, which goes against the principle of nature. It is foolish to recite the laws of nature! After thinking about it, I have no appetite to sleep. " When everyone heard this, their hearts suddenly became clear.

Hangu writes books.

On Tuesday (5 18 BC), the mourning period expired and returned to Zhou. In the fourth year of Zhou dynasty (5 16 BC), the royal family of Zhou dynasty had civil strife and led troops to capture the city. Zhou was forced. At that time, Jin was very powerful and sent troops to rescue Zhou. Lonely, he fled to Chu with his old Imperial Classics of Liao and Zhou Dynasties. Lao Dan resigned on suspicion of dereliction of duty. So he retired from the palace, rode a green cow, wanted to go out of Hangu Pass, and went west to Qin.

Not far from Luoyi in Zhou Dynasty, but the fields are desolate. In broken walls, the mine fields are destroyed, the buildings are staggered, the countryside is deserted, and the hay rustles. There are no cultivated horses in the field, but the horses are running endlessly on the avenue, and some horses are dragging their stomachs and struggling to follow. Seeing this, Lao Dan's heart ached, and he thought, "A soldier's ominous weapon is not a gentleman's weapon. Use it as a last resort, enough is enough, and calm is the best. You don't have to be beautiful to win. People who are beautiful are happy to kill. A happy murderer can't succeed in the world! Those who help others with Tao will not strengthen the world with soldiers. Where there are soldiers, there are thorns; After being a soldier, there must be a bad year. There is a road in the world, but it is a waste; There is no way in the world, and the suburbs have horses. If there are military horses in the suburbs, the country will be chaotic and the family will be broken. "

It is said that Hangu Pass was officially closed.