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
The baby looks at things all day without winking; that is because his eyes are not focused on any particular object. He goes without knowing where he is going, and stops without knowing what he is doing. He merges himself within the surroundings and moves along with it. These are the principles of mental hygiene.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the importance of being present and fully engaged in the moment without rigid focus or intent.
This quote by Zhuangzi illustrates a philosophy of mindfulness and presence, akin to the natural curiosity and fluidity evident in a baby's perception of the world. It emphasizes that by observing life without the constraints of direction or intention, one can achieve a state of mental clarity and hygiene, allowing for a deeper connection with the surrounding environment and a more natural flow through life.
Themes
MindfulnessPresenceCuriosityMental HygieneObservation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about mindfulness practices, one might say, 'As Zhuangzi noted, the baby gazes at the world without focus, reminding us to embrace the present moment.'
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
ZhuangziRead
All the fish needs is to get lost in the water. All man needs is to get lost in Tao.
ZhuangziRead
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