Chapter 773: Kongzi is a bit puzzled

Kongzi is a bit puzzled.

April 24: Kongzi is a bit puzzled.

Still coming to talk about the topic of Laozi and Kongzi, this is also an eternal topic of humanity..

Laozi and Kongzi, like two shining stars in the heavens, cause those dark spirits between heaven and earth to flash forth the light of humanity.

Although Kongzi and Laozi each have their own "Dao" with differences, and their worldly views also diverge. Laozi follows the tenets of "non-action through nature" and "wise self-preservation," while Kongzi upholds the principles of "active engagement in the world" and "sacrificing life for righteousness."

But this does not affect their friendship and feelings.

After Laozi and Kongzi met, the older, deep Laozi saw the young, vigorous Kongzi's eagerness to achieve fame and establish his career, and thus advised Kongzi, telling him: "A gentleman, when he gets the opportunity, proceeds with vigor. I have heard that a good merchant hides himself as if empty; a gentleman of great virtue appears foolish in appearance. Cast away your arrogance and many desires, and the lustful Rain that stains the will—these are of no benefit to your person. That is why I tell you, that is all."

Laozi's words to Kongzi were every sentence from the bottom of his heart, words drawn from his innermost feelings. Clearly their meeting was very harmonious, the topic very broad. They talked about life, ideals, society, living; heaven and earth, all phenomena in the human world are topics for these two cultural giants.

Of course, what they talked about most was still each of their own "Dao".

Kongzi asked Laozi, saying: "How lamentable! The Dao is difficult to practice even to this day......"

Alas, how is this Dao so difficult to practice in today's society?

Laozi answered Kongzi: One who walks well leaves no trace; one who speaks well makes no mistake for others to blame; one who calculates well needs no counting sticks; one who closes well has no bolt yet no one can open that door; one who ties well needs no rope, and no one can undo his knots; therefore, the sage is always good at saving people. In this world there are no discarded people, nor any garbage. So-called garbage is merely something placed in the wrong place.

This is called following the constant Dao.

Following the constant Dao is a higher wisdom.

You will surely ask; what is following the constant Dao? I will answer you: the so-called following the constant Dao is to follow the natural way, the way of life, the way of heaven and earth. One who follows the natural way is not only a kind of survival wisdom, but also the highest realm of life.

Therefore the sage is the teacher of the wicked, and the wicked serve as a warning for the good. To disrespect one's teacher, not cherish one's lesson, even if one considers oneself wise, is actually still quite ignorant and confused.

Please remember: this is the exquisite principle I am about to tell you----

One should exert all effort to avoid evil and do good, to exalt virtue. For life is not its appearance but its essence. This essence is goodness----at the beginning of humanity, nature is good. Goodness is also beauty, beauty is also goodness. True goodness cannot exist without wisdom, and practical wisdom cannot exist without virtue. If a person abandons goodness, the path of life will forever remain in darkness.

Kongzi, after hearing Laozi's lofty discourse, is a bit puzzled.....