Chapter 159: Heaven Moves Forward, a Gentleman Strives for Self-improvement
The metaphysical is called Tao, the physical is called Qi...
When Zhao Duan read out this sentence, the old Taoist priest narrowed his eyes slowly, and carefully chewed and savored the meaning of this sentence.
The so-called "metaphysics" was something Zhao Duan did not understand for quite a while when he was studying in his previous life.
It sounds obscure, but I gradually understood it after working. In fact, it is easy to explain, namely:
Invisible things contrast with visible things.
The most common and widely mentioned "metaphysics" is the objective laws of things, such as the rise and fall of dynasties, which exist objectively but cannot be touched or seen.
It is very different from tangible and usable objects.
Zhao Duan quoted the "Book of Changes" and equated practicing Taoism with the pursuit of "vague metaphysics."
Cultivation, which involves practicing techniques and mastering extraordinary powers, is equivalent to pursuing visible and tangible "instruments".
It is an extremely clear and concise explanation.
The old Taoist priest thought about it for a moment and understood the beauty of this sentence.
This one sentence is better than the long speech that the Heavenly Master gave to his disciples in his mansion.
He couldn't help but laugh:
"What a metaphysical and physical statement! This rhetoric actually has a bit of a Confucian flavor."
Confucianism exists in this world. Although there are no Confucius, Mencius and others, there are similar doctrines that have influenced scholars to this day.
Zhao Duan nodded and said:
"That's about right. In my opinion, Confucianism and Taoism essentially share the same origin. And the techniques and martial arts pursued by practitioners today are not much different from the moral precepts passed down by ordinary people."
"Oh?" Zhang Yan showed a curious look when he heard this. This was something he had never thought of:
"What do you mean?"
Zhao Duan did not answer immediately.
In fact, since last time, he found that the sentences from the "Tao Te Ching" that he copied at random were actually valued by the official in front of him.
Zhao Duan began to wonder what cultivation was in this world.
Although it was just a way to gain extraordinary power, when Lao Wang talked to himself, it was obvious that what he was thinking about was similar to that of the sages in his world.
It's closer to a kind of...philosophical speculation!
Yes, philosophical speculation!
In his previous life, Zhao Duan worked as a secretary, so he had to make up for it by studying philosophy... Of course, he didn't study it in depth, just a superficial understanding, but it did give him some understanding of it.
When he arrived in the Dayu Dynasty and saw the cultivators whose every move could change the color of heaven and earth, he naturally became curious and made some guesses.
At this time, facing "Lao Wang", it was the first time that I found a more suitable person to talk to and discuss with.
He pondered for a moment and said:
"First of all, I believe that this world originally has its own Dao, that is... the laws of heaven and earth?
For example, people's thoughts will condense into gods. The power of gods is more like a power gathered from the thoughts of all living beings. The delusions of enough people can affect the mortal world.
For example, a warrior's breathing exercises utilize 'Qi'... These are unique to this world, and were originally unknown to ordinary people."
"Later, long ago, in ancient times, a small number of people, having escaped the scourge of starvation, began to ponder and speculate. In their ignorance, fear fueled their imaginations and reverence for various gods.
Some people began to ponder the secrets of "God". As they explored deeper, their "cognition" of God surpassed that of ordinary people. And the "cognition" itself gradually enabled them to possess the ability to control and drive God and obtain the power that God possessed.
These people are the first 'cultivators'."
When Zhang Yan heard this, his expression changed slightly.
He looked carefully at the young man in front of him and said:
"By recognizing the gods, one can gain power?"
Zhao Duan nodded and said firmly:
"Of course. Just like a mortal observing the flow of water, once they understand the laws of its flow, they will naturally be able to utilize the laws of water.
This led to the development of water conservancy. With the help of wisdom and taking advantage of the situation, we can guide and utilize the tremendous power of the surging rivers.
Since studying things can gain superhuman powers, then what's so strange about understanding the gods and gaining magic by studying things? "
Zhang Yan's eyes brightened a little: "Go on."
Zhao Duan said:
"The same is true for martial artists. This path of cultivation was derived from the ancients' thoughts and explorations into breathing, qi, and the body.
There is also a group of people, let's call them "wise men". When thinking about human beings themselves, they may realize that all living beings will have many confusions.
For example, why live, why not die, why be driven by others, how to solve the many difficulties in life... and so on.
In ancient times, people would fall into this kind of confusion after filling their stomachs, and the two types of cultivators who consciously pursued and explored, such as "cultivators of Taoism" and "cultivators of martial arts", were only a very small part of all living beings.
Because a monk has the purpose of seeking, he knows why he lives. As the saying goes, "If one hears the truth in the morning, he can die in the evening." This means that a monk knows that he lives to seek the truth, so he will not be confused or suffer.
However, the vast majority of people do not have this kind of awareness, so they don’t know why they live and thus suffer.
At this time, the wise men created a whole set of 'purposes' and 'meanings' covering human life, and through teaching, they told all living beings about these things."
Thus, all living beings know that as a son, they must be filial; as a father, they must provide for their children; as a minister, they must share the worries of the king; as a king, they must seek the welfare of the people..."
After a pause, Zhao Duan said:
“Thus, from the time we are old enough to understand, from birth to death, all mortals are guided by ‘purposes’ set by ‘wise men’.
Their lives will no longer be confused.
Today's practitioners initially practiced just to gain power, following a set of steps, climbing through the realms set by the practitioners, and mastering techniques or martial arts.
That is, only regard oneself as a 'vessel to contain power'.
But this kind of practice is ultimately just about acquiring skills, not "seeking the way". The real way of seeking is to break free from the teachings of others, the purpose given by them, and to awaken oneself and actively explore the truth of heaven and earth.
This is what it means to 'cultivate the Way,' rather than 'cultivate the mind,' and only in this way can we be closest to the path our ancient ancestors took to initially gain power."
After finishing his long speech, Zhao Duan laughed at himself:
"Of course, I am just a mortal, and I dare not talk about practicing Taoism, but..."
"No!"
Under the tea stall, Zhang Yan stared at him with an unprecedented admiration in his eyes:
"I'm not exaggerating. Your thoughts on Tao are...interesting."
He weighed the pros and cons and finally used the word "force" to express it.
It is difficult to describe Zhang Yanyi's mood at this moment.
If we say that the old Taoist priest was surprised and confused by the insightful sentences he obtained from Zhao Duan during his first two conversations with him,
But what he said today completely changed Zhang Yanyi's opinion.
From the perspective of an old Taoist priest, I always feel that the "sentences" Zhao Duan said before seemed more like what this kid saw from somewhere.
However, the thoughts just now were the true insights of the young man in front of him.
Although he is just an ordinary mortal and a martial artist with little education, he has an extremely clear understanding of "cultivation of Taoism" and "cultivation of cultivation".
His remarks about Confucianism creating a purpose for all living beings made Zhang Yan's eyes light up.
This is a perspective that even the old Taoist priest has never considered.
If we say that the previous two times, he paid attention to Zhao Duan because of those sentences.
So from today onwards, the person he was really interested in was the young man Zhao Duan.
Before, he said that he was "discussing Taoism" with Zhao Duan, but it was just a casual remark and he didn't take it seriously.
I just want to dig out a few more exquisite and unique sentences from this kid.
But at this moment, the words "discussing the Tao" have become real.
How could I really discuss the Dao with such a young man of ordinary stature?
Zhang Yan was suddenly dazed and felt something was unreal.
"It's just my humble opinion, not worth mentioning." Zhao Duan smiled.
Zhang Yan looked at him with admiration, nodded slowly, and said:
"Just these insights you have gained today are far beyond those of today's practitioners."
Zhao Duan was speechless:
"Old Wang, how many cultivators have you met who are praising me like this? If your old Heavenly Master said something so arrogant, it would be more appropriate."
Zhang Yan smiled and said:
"I blame myself for being so arrogant. Oh, I almost forgot the main topic."
"Get to the point?" Zhao Duan was speechless.
"So you've been chatting with me all this time?"
Zhang Yan smiled and said:
"I have accepted a task and am thinking about writing a sentence of encouragement for the disciples of the Tianshi Mansion, but I have no idea, so I want to come to you."
So... Zhao Duan rubbed his hands, looking embarrassed:
"This matter is easy to handle, but also difficult..."
Zhang Yanyi said quietly:
"Tell me about it first, and then we can bargain."
All right, after all, he is an old customer... Zhao Duan said with a smile:
"Since we've talked about the common origins of Confucianism and Taoism today, I'd like to offer you a few words."
As he spoke, he dipped his finger in tea and wrote two lines on the table:
"how?"
The old Taoist priest took a closer look and said:
Heaven moves forward, and a gentleman should constantly strive to improve himself.
The earth is in a Kun position, and a gentleman carries the world with virtue.
Whoosh... In the hottest days of summer, a wind suddenly blows up, rippling the river water in the city.
As the winds and clouds of heaven and earth gathered, the tea stall owner was busy stabilizing the awning.
Zhang Yanyi gently stroked his long beard, his narrow eyes shining brightly. He silently recited twice and smiled:
"Wonderful!"
At the end of the "Book from Heaven", there are words encouraging learning!
"Hey, don't run!"
Zhao Duan suddenly discovered that Lao Wang's figure gradually faded away, and the words on the table were also blown dry by the wind.
He jumped up and down and yelled, "Are you trying to shirk your responsibility? You haven't paid me the consulting fee yet!"
Zhang Yanyi's laughter was heard in the wind:
"I will go back and report to the elders, then to the Heavenly Master, and after receiving his approval, I will settle the bill with you."
“…Fuck me.”
Zhao Duan was very angry and thought to himself, you can't make the decision, so what kind of compensation can you promise me?
“Immortal…Immortal Master!”
The tea stall owner nearby was shocked and knelt down, calling him "Immortal Master". The rest of the people were also greatly surprised and kowtowed to him.
Although there are many monks in the capital, ordinary people rarely have the opportunity to witness the divine manifestations of the priests.
Zhao Duan threw down a string of copper coins, held the hilt of his sword and left, curling his lips:
Immortal Master? Pah, just a deadbeat who got something for free. Old Wang is so unrefined.
(End of this chapter)
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