Chapter 159: Heaven moves with vigor, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement

Chapter 159: Heaven moves with vigor, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement

Chapter 159: Heaven moves with vigor, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement

The metaphysical is called Tao, and the physical is called Qi...

When Zhao Duan read out this sentence, the old Taoist priest narrowed his narrow eyes slowly, and he carefully chewed and savored the meaning of this sentence.

The so-called "metaphysics" was something Zhao Duan did not understand for quite a while 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, namely:

Invisible things contrast with visible things.

The most common and widely mentioned "metaphysics" is the objective laws of things, such as the rise and fall of dynasties, which exist objectively but cannot be touched or seen.

It is very different from objects that can be touched and felt.

Zhao Duan quoted the Book of Changes and equated practicing Taoism with the pursuit of "the illusory metaphysics."

Cultivation, which is the practice of techniques and the mastery of extraordinary powers, is equivalent to the pursuit of visible and tangible "tools".

This is an extremely clear and concise explanation.

The old Taoist priest thought about it for a moment and immediately understood the beauty of this sentence.

This one sentence alone is better than the long speech that the Heavenly Master gave to his disciples in his mansion.

He couldn't help laughing:
"What a metaphysical and physical statement! This statement has a bit of Confucian flavor."

Confucianism exists in this world. Although there are no Confucius, Mencius and others, there are similar doctrines that have influenced scholars to this day.

Zhao Duan nodded and said:

"Almost the same. In my opinion, Confucianism and Taoism are essentially from the same source. And the techniques and martial arts that practitioners pursue today are not much different from the moral laws passed down by ordinary people."

"Oh?" Zhang Yan showed a curious look when he heard this. This was something he had never thought of:
"how do I say this?"

Zhao Duan did not answer immediately.

In fact, since last time, he discovered that the sentences from the Tao Te Ching that he had copied randomly were actually highly valued by the official in front of him.

Zhao Duan began to wonder, what exactly is the practice in this world?
If it is just a way to obtain extraordinary power, but when Lao Wang talked to himself, it was obvious that what he was thinking about was similar to that of the sages in his world.

It's closer to a kind of...philosophical thinking!

Yes, philosophical speculation!

Zhao Duan worked as a secretary in his previous life, so he had to make up for his lack of knowledge in philosophy... Of course, he didn't study it in depth and only dabbled in it, but it did give him some understanding of it.

When he arrived in the Dayu Dynasty and saw the cultivators whose every move could change the color of heaven and earth, he naturally became curious and made some guesses.

At this time, facing "Lao Wang", it was the first time that I found a relatively suitable person to talk to and discuss with.

He groaned for a moment and said:

"First of all, I believe that this world originally has its own Dao, that is... the laws of heaven and earth?

For example, people's thoughts will condense into gods. The power of gods is more like a force gathered from the thoughts of all living beings. The delusions of enough people can affect the mortal world.

For example, the breathing exercises of warriors are the use of 'Qi'... These are the special features of this world, and are not known to ordinary people."

"Later, long ago in ancient times, a few people, after escaping the troubles of survival and hunger, began to ponder some issues and engage in speculation. In the early days of ignorance, people developed fear and awe for all kinds of gods.

Some people began to ponder the secrets of "God". As they explored more deeply, their "cognition" of God surpassed that of ordinary people. And the "cognition" itself enabled them to gradually possess the ability to control and drive God and obtain the power that God possessed.

These people are the original 'morticians'."

When Zhang Yan heard this, his expression changed slightly.

He looked carefully at the young man in front of him and said:

"If you know God, you can gain power?"

Zhao Duan nodded and said firmly:
"Of course. Just like ordinary people observing the flow of water, once they understand the laws of water flow, they will naturally be able to use the laws of water.

Thus, the art of water conservancy was invented. With the help of wisdom and taking advantage of the situation, we can guide and utilize the tremendous power of the surging rivers.

Since studying things can gain superhuman powers, then what's so strange about understanding the gods and obtaining magic by studying things?"

Zhang Yan's eyes brightened a little: "Go on."

Zhao Duan said:

“The same is true for warriors. This path of practice was derived from the thoughts and explorations of some ancient people on breathing, qi and the body.

There is another group of people, let's call them "wise men", who, when thinking about human beings themselves, may realize that all living beings will have many confusions.

For example, why do we live, why don’t we die, why do we have to be driven by others, how to solve the many difficulties in life... and so on.

In ancient times, people would fall into this kind of confusion after filling their stomachs. However, the two types of cultivators who consciously pursued and explored, such as "cultivators of Taoism" and "cultivators of martial arts", were only a very small part of all living beings.

Because the monks have the purpose of seeking, they know why they live. As the saying goes, if one hears the truth in the morning, he can die in the evening. This means that monks know that they live to seek the truth, so they will not be confused or in pain.

However, the vast majority of people in the world do not have this kind of awareness, so they don’t know why they are living and thus suffer.

At this time, the wise men created a whole set of "purposes" and "meanings" covering people's lives, and told all living beings about these things through teaching. "

As a result, all living beings know that when they are sons, they must be filial; when they are fathers, they must provide for their children; when they are ministers, they must share the worries of the king; when they are kings, they must seek the welfare of the people..."

After a pause, Zhao Duan said:

“So, from the time we are old enough to understand, from birth to death, we are all guided by ‘purposes’ set by ‘wise men’.

Their lives will no longer be confused.

Today's practitioners initially practice only to gain power, following a set of steps, climbing to certain levels, mastering techniques, or martial arts.

That is, only regard oneself as a "vessel to contain power". But this kind of practice is only about acquiring skills, not "seeking the truth". The real way of seeking the truth is to break away from the teachings of others, the purpose given by others, awaken oneself, and actively explore the truth of heaven and earth.

This is what it means to 'cultivate the Tao' rather than 'cultivate'. Only in this way can we be closest to the path that our ancient ancestors took to initially gain power."

After a long speech, Zhao Duan laughed at himself:
"Of course, I am a mortal, and I dare not talk about practicing Taoism, but..."

"No!"

Under the tea stall, Zhang Yan stared at him with an unprecedented admiration in his eyes:

"I am not making this up. Your thoughts on Tao are very...interesting."

He weighed the pros and cons again and again, and finally used the word "force" to express it.

It is difficult to describe Zhang Yanyi's mood at this moment.

If we say that during the first two conversations with Zhao Duan, the old Taoist priest got some insightful sentences from him, he was surprised and confused.

But what he said today completely changed Zhang Yanyi's opinion.

From the perspective of an old Taoist priest, I always feel that the "sentences" Zhao Duan said before seemed more like what this kid saw from somewhere.

However, the thoughts just now are the true insights of the young man in front of him.

Although he is just a mortal and a martial artist who has not read much, he has an extremely clear understanding of "cultivation of Taoism" and "cultivation of cultivation".

His remarks about Confucianism creating a purpose for all living beings made Zhang Yan's eyes light up.

This is a perspective that even the old Taoist priest has never thought about.

If we talk about the previous two times, he paid attention to Zhao Duan because of those sentences.

So from today onwards, the person he was really interested in was the young man Zhao Duan.

Before, he said that he had "discussed Taoism" with Zhao Duan, but it was just a casual remark and he didn't take it seriously.

I just want to dig out a few more exquisite and unique sentences from this kid.

But at this moment, the words "discussing Tao" have become real.

How could I really discuss philosophy with a young man of ordinary and noble character?
Zhang Yan was suddenly dazed and felt something was unreal.

"It's just my superficial opinion, not worth mentioning." Zhao Duan smiled.

Zhang Yan looked at him with admiration, nodded slowly, and said:
"Just the insights you have today are far beyond those of the practitioners of the present time."

Zhao Duan said speechlessly:

"Old Wang, how many monks have you met who are praising me like this? If your old Taoist priest said something so arrogant, it would be more appropriate."

Zhang Yan smiled and said:
"I'm so angry. Oh, I almost forgot the main topic."

"Get to the point?" Zhao Duan was speechless:

"So you've been chatting with me all this time?"

Zhang Yan smiled and said:
"I have received a task and am thinking about writing a sentence of encouragement for the disciples of Tianshi Mansion, but I have no idea, so I want to come to you."

So... Zhao Duan rubbed his hands, looking embarrassed:
"This matter is easy to handle, but also difficult..."

Zhang Yanyi said quietly:
"Tell me what you think, and then we can bargain."

All right, after all, he is an old customer... Zhao Duan said with a smile:

"Since we have talked about the common origin of Confucianism and Taoism today, I will give you a few words."

As he spoke, he dipped his finger in the tea and wrote two lines on the table:

"how?"

The old Taoist priest took a closer look and said:
Tian Xingjian, the gentleman is self-improvement.

The topography is Kun, and the gentleman carries his virtues.

Whoosh... In the middle of summer, a wind suddenly blows up, rippling the river water in the city.

As the winds and clouds gathered, the tea stall owner was busy stabilizing the shed.

Zhang Yanyi gently stroked his long beard, his narrow eyes shining with light, and he silently recited twice, revealing a smile:

"Excellent!"

At the end of the volume of "The Book from Heaven", there are words encouraging learning!
"Hey, don't run!"

Zhao Duan suddenly discovered that Lao Wang's figure gradually faded away, and the words on the table were also blown dry by the wind.

He jumped up and yelled, "You want to default on your debt? I haven't paid you the consulting fee yet!"

Zhang Yanyi's laughter came from the wind:
"I will go back and report to the elders, report to the Heavenly Master, and after I get approval, I will settle the bill with you."

"…I am so fucking."

Zhao Duan was so angry that he thought to himself, since you can't make the decision, how can you promise me any reward?

"Immortal...Immortal Master!"

The tea stall owner nearby was shocked and knelt down calling him "Immortal Master". The rest of the people were also greatly surprised and began to kowtow to him.

Although there are many monks in the capital, ordinary people rarely have the opportunity to witness the divine performance of the priests.

Zhao Duan threw down a string of copper coins, held the hilt of his sword and left, curling his lips:
Immortal Master? Pah, he is just a deadbeat who gets things for free. Old Wang is so unrefined.

(End of this chapter)