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
Let your mind wander in simplicity, blend your spirit with the vastness, follow along with things the way they are, and make no room for personal views-then the world will be governed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embrace simplicity and acceptance to align with the natural flow of life.
This quote by Zhuangzi emphasizes the importance of allowing one's mind to be free and open, suggesting that by embracing simplicity and accepting things as they are, rather than imposing personal judgments or biases, individuals can experience a harmonious connection with the world around them. It advocates for a mindset that accepts the inherent nature of reality, leading to a more profound understanding and governance of life's complexities.
Themes
SimplicityAcceptancePhilosophyMindfulnessUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a meditation session to encourage participants to let go of their distractions.
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.
ZhuangziRead
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