source
Laozi's Moral Classics in the Spring and Autumn Period
Excerpts from the original text
Good as water. Water is good for all things without dispute, and evil for all, so it is a few words. Live in a good place; Heart, goodness; Harmony and kindness; Words, integrity; Politics, good governance; Things, good energy; Move, be good. Husband is just indisputable, so there is nothing special.
translate
The best people are like water. Water is good at nourishing everything without competing with it, staying in places that people don't like, so it is closest to the Tao.
The best people are those who are best at choosing their place of residence, those who are good at keeping calm and unfathomable, those who are good at treating others sincerely, kindly and selflessly, those who are good at keeping their promises, those who are good at streamlining administration, those who can manage the country well, those who can give full play to their own strengths and those who can seize opportunities in action. The best people do what they do because they have indisputable virtues, so there is no fault or blame.
Creation background
Laozi was born in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. At that time, the environment was weak in the Zhou Dynasty, and various governors constantly competed for hegemony. The violent turmoil and changes made Lao Tzu witness the sufferings of the people, which was regarded as the Tibetan history of the Zhou Dynasty, so he put forward a series of thoughts on governing the country and protecting the people.
Yin moved Lao Tzu, who traced his life experience, the success or failure of the dynasty and the safety of the people, and wrote two books, Tao Te Ching, with five thousand words.
Appreciation of original text
Tao Te Ching mainly discusses "Tao" and "morality": "Tao" is not only the natural way of the universe, but also the method of personal practice. "Virtue" is not the usual morality or virtue, but a monk's special world outlook, methodology and way of dealing with people.
Laozi's original intention was to teach people how to practice Buddhism. Morality is the foundation, and Taoism is the sublimation of morality. Without the foundation of virtue, you are likely to fail in dealing with people, managing your family and governing the country, and you will not be able to "cultivate Buddhism." Therefore, cultivating "virtue" is to create a good external environment for monasticism, which may also be needed by people; Being a monk requires a quiet mind and a detached life, which is also indispensable for virtue.