Chapter 159: Heaven moves vigorously, and a gentleman strives for self-improvement
What is metaphysical is called Tao, what is metaphysical is called tool...
When Zhao Duan read this sentence, the Heavenly Master slowly narrowed his narrow eyes, carefully chewing and savoring the meaning of this sentence.
Zhao Duan didn't understand the so-called "metaphysics" for quite some time when he was studying in his previous life.
It sounds obscure, but I gradually understood it after working. In fact, it is easy to explain, that is:
Intangible things contrast with tangible things.
The most common and widely mentioned "metaphysical" ones are the objective laws of things, such as the rise and fall of dynasties, which exist objectively but are intangible and invisible.
It is very different from the objects that can be touched and felt.
Zhao Duan quoted the "Book of Changes" and equated cultivating Taoism with the pursuit of "ethereal metaphysics."
Cultivation means cultivating techniques and mastering extraordinary power, which is equivalent to pursuing visible and sensible "weapons".
It can be said to be an extremely clear and concise explanation.
After thinking about it for a while, the Heavenly Master understood the beauty of this sentence.
This single sentence is better than the long speech he gave to his disciples in the Tianshi Mansion.
He couldn't help but laugh and said:
"What a metaphysical, metaphysical, this rhetoric has a bit of a Confucian flavor."
Confucianism exists in this world. Although there are no Confucius and Mencius, there are similar theories that have influenced scholars to this day.
Zhao Duan nodded and said:
"Absolutely. In my opinion, Confucianism and Taoism are essentially from the same source. And the techniques, martial arts, etc. pursued by practitioners today are no different from the moral laws passed down from ordinary people."
"Oh?" When Zhang Yan heard this, he looked curious. This was something he had never thought of:
"How do you say this?"
Zhao Duan did not answer immediately.
In fact, since the last time, he found that the sentences from the Tao Te Ching he copied at random had attracted the attention of the casual officials in front of him.
Zhao Duan began to think about what exactly is the practice of this world?
If it were just a way to obtain extraordinary power, when Lao Wang was talking to himself, he was obviously thinking about something similar to that of the sages of his world.
It's closer to a kind of... philosophical speculation!
Yes, philosophical speculation!
In his previous life, Zhao Duan followed the secretarial path, which was ultimately indispensable for the philosophy of evil and tonic... Of course, he did not dabble deeply and only had a brief taste of it, but it also gave him a little understanding of it.
When he arrived at the Dayu Dynasty, he saw the practitioners whose gestures made the world change color. Naturally, he became curious and made some guesses.
At this time, facing "Old Wang", it was the first time that I found a more suitable person to talk to and discuss.
He pondered for a moment and said:
"First of all, I think that this world originally had its own way, which is...the law of heaven and earth?
For example, people's thoughts will condense into gods. The power of gods is more like the convergence of the thoughts of all living beings. Enough people's delusions can affect the mortal world.
Another example is Wufu Tuna, which is the use of 'qi'... These are special features of this world and were originally unknown to mortals. "
"Later, a long time ago in ancient times, a few people began to think about some issues and speculate after they were freed from the troubles of survival and hunger. When they were ignorant, fear gave rise to imagination and awe of various gods.
Some people began to think about the secrets of the 'gods'. As the exploration deepened, their 'knowledge' of the gods was beyond ordinary people, and the 'knowledge' itself allowed them to gradually possess, control and drive the gods, and gain the power of the gods. ability.
These people are the original ‘cultivators’. "
When Zhang Yan heard this, his expression changed slightly.
He looked at the young man in front of him carefully and said:
"By knowing the gods, can you gain power?"
Zhao Duan nodded and said firmly: "It is definitely possible. Just like a mortal who observes the potential of water and masters the flow of water, he will naturally make use of the laws of water.
Thus, with the help of water conservancy method, with the help of wisdom and taking advantage of the situation, the majestic power of surging rivers can be guided and used.
Since one can obtain inhuman power by studying objects, is there anything strange about using the method of studying objects to understand gods and obtain spells? "
Zhang Yan's eyes brightened a little: "Continue talking."
Zhao Duan said:
"The same is true for martial arts. This path of cultivation was derived from the thinking and exploration of breathing, energy and body by some ancients.
There is also a group of people, let’s call them ‘wise men’. When thinking about people themselves, they may realize that all living beings will have many confusions.
For example, why we live, why we don’t die, why we are driven by others, how we should solve the many difficulties in life... and so on.
People in ancient times would fall into this kind of confusion whenever they were full. However, the two types of monks who consciously pursue and explore, such as 'monastics' and 'martial arts cultivators', are only a very small part of all living beings.
Because the monks have the purpose of seeking in their hearts, they know why they live. The saying goes that if you hear the Tao in the morning, you will die in the evening. That is to say, if the monks know that they live to seek the Tao, they will not be confused and painful. "
However, the vast majority of all living beings do not have this kind of consciousness, so they live without knowing why, and thus suffer.
At this time, the wise men created a whole set of "purposes" covering a person's life, created "meanings", and taught these things to all living beings through education. "
Therefore, all sentient beings know that as a son of man, they need to fulfill their filial piety; as a father, they need to provide for their children; as a minister, they need to share the worries of the king; as a king, they need to work for the welfare of the people..."
After a pause, Zhao Duan said:
"So, from the time when they are sensible, from birth to death, mortals are guided by the 'purposes' set by the 'wise men'.
Their lives will no longer be confused.
Today's practitioners only practice to gain strength at first. They follow step by step and follow the realms set by the practitioners to climb up and master spells or martial arts.
In other words, only use yourself as a 'vessel that contains power'. But this kind of practice is only about acquiring skills after all, rather than "seeking the Tao". The real seeking is to break away from the teachings of others and the purpose given by others, awaken oneself, and actively explore the truth of heaven and earth.
In this way, it is 'cultivation', not 'cultivation', and only in this way can we be closest to the way our ancient ancestors originally gained strength. "
After finishing his long speech, Zhao Duan laughed at himself: "Of course, I am in the mortal realm and talk nonsense about cultivating the Tao, but..."
"No!"
Under the tea stall, Zhang Yanyi stared at him, with an unprecedented appreciation in his eyes:
"It's not nonsense. Your thoughts on Tao are very... interesting."
He weighed it repeatedly and finally expressed it with the word force.
It is difficult to describe Zhang Yanyi's mood at this moment.
If we say that during the first two conversations with Zhao Duan, Master Tian was surprised and confused when he got some penetrating sentences from him.
So what he said today completely changed Zhang Yanyi's view.
Looking at it from the perspective of the Heavenly Master, I always feel that the "sentences" Zhao Duan said before are more like what this kid saw from somewhere.
But what he was thinking just now was the young man’s own insights.
He was only in the mortal realm, and he was still a martial artist with little education. Not only was he extremely clear about "cultivation" and "cultivation".
His remarks about Confucianism creating a purpose for all sentient beings made Zhang Yan shine at first sight.
This is an angle that even the Heavenly Master has never considered.
If we talk about the previous two times, he paid attention to Zhao Duan because of those sentences.
So after today, the one he is really interested in is the young man Zhao Duan.
Before, he said he was "discussing Taoism" with Zhao Duan, but he just said it casually and never took it seriously.
I just want to dig out a few more exquisite and unique sentences from this kid's mouth.
But at this moment, the word "discussing the Tao" has become a reality.
Did he actually discuss matters with an ordinary young man?
Zhang Yanyi suddenly lost consciousness, a little unreal.
"It's just a brief introduction to this junior, not worth mentioning." Zhao Duan smiled.
Zhang Yanyi looked at him with admiration, nodded slowly, and said:
"Your insights today are far beyond those of current practitioners."
Zhao Duan said speechlessly:
"Old Wang, how many monks have you seen, and you just praise me like this? If you say it in such a big tone, your Heavenly Master would say it's not bad."
Zhang Yan smiled casually and said:
"It's my fault that I spoke too loudly. By the way, I almost forgot the topic."
"Main topic?" Zhao Duan was speechless:
"Have you been chatting with me?"
Zhang Yan smiled and said:
"I accepted the task and was thinking about writing a message of encouragement for the disciples of the Tianshi Mansion, but I had no clue, so I wanted to come look for you."
That's it... Zhao Duan rubbed his hands and looked troubled: "This matter, it may be easy to handle, or it may be difficult to handle..."
Zhang Yanyi said quietly: "Let's talk and listen, and then we can bargain."
Okay, after all, he is a regular customer... Zhao Duan smiled and said:
"Since I said today that Confucianism and Taoism have the same origin, I will give you a message, sir."
As he spoke, he dipped his fingers in the tea and wrote two lines of text on the table:
"how?"
The old Heavenly Master took a closer look:
Heaven is moving vigorously, and a gentleman strives to constantly strive for self-improvement.
The terrain is kun, and a gentleman carries things with kindness.
Whoosh... In the hot summer days, a sudden wind suddenly blows and ruffles the river water in the city.
The storms of heaven and earth gathered together, and the tea stall owner was in a hurry to secure the pergola.
Zhang Yanyi gently stroked his long beard, his narrow eyes shined with pure light, he recited silently twice, and smiled:
"Wonderful!"
At the end of the volume of "Book of Heaven", there are words of encouragement to learn!
“Hey, don’t run away!”
Zhao Duan suddenly discovered that Lao Wang's figure slowly faded away, and even the words on the table were blown dry by the wind.
He jumped to his feet and yelled: "You want to default on the bill? The consulting fee hasn't been paid yet!"
In the wind, Zhang Yanyi's laughter came:
"I will wait until I go back to report to Elder Ming and report to the Heavenly Master. After I get approval, I will settle the bill with you."
"...What the hell."
Zhao Duan was so angry that he said in his heart that you can't decide. What kind of reward can you promise me?
"Immortal...immortal master!"
Next to him, the tea stall owner was so shocked that he knelt down and called him Immortal Master. The other people were also shocked and knelt down one after another.
Although there are many monks in the capital, ordinary people rarely have the opportunity to witness the manifestations of priests.
Zhao Duan dropped a bunch of copper coins, held the hilt of his sword and left, curling his lips:
Immortal master? Bah, he's just an old guy who prostitutes for free, Lao Wang is too careless.
(End of chapter)