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
If water derives lucidity from stillness, how much more the faculties of the mind! The mind of the sage, being in repose, becomes the mirror of the universe, the speculum of all creation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A calm and focused mind reflects greater clarity and understanding.
This quote by Zhuangzi suggests that just as still water becomes clear, a tranquil mind enhances one's perception and intellect. When the mind is at rest, it can reflect the world around it more accurately, allowing deeper insights into life and existence. It emphasizes the importance of mental peace in attaining wisdom and understanding.
Themes
WaterMindStillnessClarityWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation workshop, to emphasize the importance of stillness for mental clarity.
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.
ZhuangziRead
When people do not ignore what they should ignore, but ignore what they should not ignore, this is known as ignorance.
ZhuangziRead
The true man of the past waited upon Heaven when dealing with people and did not wait upon people when dealing with Heaven.
ZhuangziRead
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
Similar quotes
Avoid a sugared gospel as you would shun sugar of lead. Seek the gospel which rips up and tears and cuts and wounds and hacks and even kills, for that is the gospel that makes alive again. And when you have found it, give good heed to it. Let it enter into your inmost being. As the rain soaks into the ground, so pray the Lord to let his gospel soak into your soul.
Charles SpurgeonRead
What is it that stands higher than words? Action. What is it that stands higher than action? Silence.
Francis Of AssisiRead
Behaving like a princess is work. It's not just about looking beautiful or wearing a crown. It's more about how you are inside.
Julie AndrewsRead
There is nothing to winning, really. That is, if you happen to be blessed with a keen eye, an agile mind, and no scruples whatsoever.
Alfred HitchcockRead
It's amazing how words can do that, just shred your insides apart. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me - such bullshit.
Lauren OliverRead
It's true that no policy fully survives first contact. But if you don't spend time anticipating the shots you are likely to take, you wind up flailing about wildly.
Antony BlinkenRead