When Confucius first met Laozi in history, Laozi was still a historian in the library of Zhou Dynasty. In addition to learning a lot of etiquette system during this meeting, I think the most profound understanding of Confucius should be this passage of Laozi, which is the essence of "being kind as water".

When we parted, Lao Tzu pointed to the Yellow River and said, "Why can't you learn the virtue of water?"

Confused, Confucius asked, "What is the virtue of water?"

Confucius suddenly realized and said, "Mr. Wang's words inspired me." All the people in the world are above, only water is below; Everyone in the world likes ease, only water is dangerous; People all over the world like cleanliness, only water is filthy. The tendency of water is disgusting to everyone in the world, and no one can match it. This is the highest state of goodness. "

Lao Tzu went on to say, "A willing son can teach! Remember, when you don't compete with others in the world, no one in the world can compete with you, which is to imitate the virtue of water. Water is closest to Tao, Tao is everywhere, and water has no harm. Water avoids high and never flows back, and is good at using the ups and downs of the terrain. Look at the clear water in the deep pool. On the surface, it is clear and calm, but it is unfathomable. Water will run away, but it will never run out. Moisten everything in obscurity, but ask for nothing in return. This is the character of water's supreme goodness and benevolence. Walk around when you meet a circular obstacle, turn around when you meet a square obstacle, stop temporarily when you meet a traffic jam, and rush once it is broken. This is the reputation of water. It can wash away filth and smooth the rugged terrain. This is the power of water. It carries things with buoyancy, shines people with a clear face, and overcomes obstacles with perseverance. This is the power of water. It's day and night, and people, sages and wise people are good at choosing opportunities. They can improvise and adapt to the weather, just like the bright moon, watching the vicissitudes of life. You should guard against arrogance and rashness when you go now. Otherwise, before you arrive, your reputation has spread, your body has not moved, your momentum has advanced, and you are arrogant, just like a tiger walking in the street. In this way, who dares to use you? "

Confucius suddenly realized after listening.

The second meeting

The two met for the second time when Laozi resigned and returned to his hometown in Qurenli, Guxian County. In this meeting, the two talked about benevolence and righteousness, but Lao Tzu disagreed with what Confucius said. In Laozi's view, this disturbs human nature, and people should conform to nature.

Laozi said, "Being born in the world is a natural phenomenon, so people's behavior should also conform to the laws of nature." You see, heaven and earth run according to the laws of nature; The sun, the moon and the stars move in sequence; Birds and animals live in harmony according to each other's lifestyles. This is not a deliberate arrangement, but they follow the principles of nature and survive and develop according to nature. "

The third meeting

The third time they met was many years later. At this time, Confucius was famous all over the world, and Laozi lived in seclusion. This time, the main discussion is what is the sky.

In this regard, Lao Tzu said: "The way of Yin and Yang is unfathomable. People have eyes but can't see, ears but can't hear, and words but can't teach, which is beyond the understanding of ordinary wisdom. Therefore, the so-called Tao is not the real Tao, but only the body Tao. If you know it like a tangible thing in the universe, with the help of eyes, ears and language, you will never understand Tao. The key to seeking Tao lies in inner consciousness. If you don't realize the existence of Tao in your heart, Tao will not be preserved. I am aware of the existence of Tao in my heart, but I need to further prove it in reality. Without the confirmation of the truth, I can't move forward unimpeded. This is why a sage who has achieved Tao can't do it in the eyes of outsiders, although he knows it in his heart. One only wants to gain an understanding of Tao from the outside, not to experience it with one's heart. Even the saints are unwilling to teach him. "

After hearing this, Confucius was ashamed.