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 perfect man uses his mind as a mirror. It grasps nothing. It regrets nothing. It receives but does not keep.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of a mind that is reflective and non-attachment to thoughts or emotions.
This quote by Zhuangzi suggests that an ideal state of mind is one that acts like a mirror—reflecting experiences and thoughts without holding onto them. It highlights the virtue of being present and accepting of transient moments without grasping or regretting, advocating for a life of tranquility and openness.
Themes
MindReflectionNon-AttachmentMental ClarityWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation workshop, someone can use this quote to explain the concept of mindfulness.
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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