What is the original meaning of "goodness"? Why is goodness like water?
First of all, we know that the word "good as water" comes from this passage in Tao Te Ching, represented by water, and the original meaning of "good" is not just what we often say, we should do good deeds and accumulate virtue to do good deeds. Of course, doing good deeds and accumulating virtue is the quality we should have. It tells us to do our own jobs while doing good deeds. At this time and later, good deeds are "good". What we do well and what we are good at are based on Tao, Tao and great goodness.
Therefore, the original meaning of goodness is: keep the nature of kindness, do what you should do, do your duty, and don't argue with others, so there will be no big problems.
The above are some of my views, I hope to help you, thank you!
Goodness means "accumulating good deeds" and "doing good deeds". Once upon a time, there was an old lady who was wicked and had two sons. One day, she suddenly woke up. She doesn't do bad things, but does good deeds, respects the old and loves the young, helps the poor, and fastes and recites Buddha. God saw her turn over a new leaf, rewarded her with a younger son, and took back two older sons who had come to defeat her family, that is, they died one after another. The old lady lamented that God was unfair. She got two sons for doing bad things and lost two sons for doing good things. Kill the dog and start a meatless diet, and be sent to the A-Nose Hell18th floor. Later, her little son grew up and rushed underground, carrying his mother and running out of eighteen layers of hell. He is "Manglietia". This story is called "Mu Lian saves mother". This is "goodness".
For China people, the idiom "as kind as water" is familiar to all women and children. These four words are often hung on the wall, but there are many people who are arty, and how many people really know the true meaning?
Most people understand the word "goodness" as goodness, beauty or goodness and beauty, thus understanding "goodness as water" as the most beautiful and best quality, just like water, that is to say, water has the most beautiful and best quality. Baidu Encyclopedia's explanation of "being good as water" is: "Being good as water is the highest virtue of human beings. Just like the nature of water, it is not contested by all things. " Is that really the case? Is water a symbol of the best behavior? So how do you explain the idioms of hot water, disaster, easy virtue and heartless fire and water? To truly understand "goodness is like water", the key is to understand the true meaning of the word "goodness". I don't know the original meaning of the word "good". All the explanations about "good as water" are fallacious, so the wisdom of saints will not be truly understood by us.
In fact, the original meaning of "goodness" refers to the natural attributes of things, and there is no distinction between beauty and ugliness. The original meaning of "good nature is like water" and "good nature is at the beginning of life". When people are born, because they are not influenced by society and education, their nature has natural characteristics, that is, natural attributes. The so-called "sex" refers to the inherent characteristics of things at a specific stage, including innate and acquired characteristics, while "goodness" refers to the innate and natural characteristics of things, that is, innate natural attributes. From the word formation, the word "good" comes from sheep, which means that people in sheep are "good". So why can sheep represent the natural attributes of things? We know that no matter people, cows, sheep, chickens, dogs, wolves, insects, tigers and leopards, they all have common natural attributes at birth. Except cute, everyone cries when they are hungry, bites their mother's nipples when they are very hungry, and is happy when they are full. Their essence is basically the same, that is, "sexual similarity", but there is no difference between evil and evil. However, when they grow up, most of their nature will change greatly. It's just that sheep don't change much when they grow up, and they still basically maintain their natural attributes at birth, so sheep symbolize their innate natural attributes. The natural attribute is sheep, so the word is "good". Because sheep are naturally docile, "goodness" also refers to good quality, as opposed to "evil". Note: the goodness of good and evil is an extended meaning, not the original meaning.
There are many examples in Chinese characters, that is, the original meaning is neutral, without positive or negative meaning, while the extended meaning refers to positive or negative meaning, so we should pay special attention to the distinction in specific applications. The original meaning of "goodness" refers to the natural attribute of things, which has no other meaning except beauty. The original meaning of "smelly" refers to the sense of smell produced by the function of the nose, that is, the sense of smell, which has nothing to do with whether it is fragrant or not, but it also refers to unpleasant taste. For example, the word "smelly" in "The Wine and Meat in Zhumen stink" is the original meaning, which only refers to the smell, not the bad smell, because Zhumen people will not make the wine and meat stink. Another example is the word "auspicious", the original meaning refers to the signs of things, there is no difference between good and bad, and the extension refers to good omen. The word "Ji" in The Book of Songs Daming uses its original meaning. As for good or ill luck, King Wen didn't know it in his heart, but it was just a fixed ceremony.
Knowing the original meaning of "goodness", then "goodness is like water" is easy to understand. The word "good as water" comes from the eighth chapter of Laozi's Tao Te Ching: "Good as water. Water is the good of all things, and water is the evil of all, so it is a few words. " The general idea of this passage is that the natural property of water flows from high to low, and it is flat at rest. Without water, nothing can survive. Water is beneficial to everything, but it never competes with everything. It must be in a place that everyone hates, so this natural property of water is close to Tao. Lao Tzu's so-called Tao refers to the origin of things and their natural laws. The natural attribute of water is close to the origin of things and its universal natural laws, so there is a saying that it is "good as water". Confucius also explained: "everyone is on the water, and water is alone; Everyone is easy, and water is alone; Everyone is clean, and water is alone. Who can contend with the evil people do? This is why it is good. "
Taoism pursues the eternal way of nature, advocates letting nature take its course and governing by doing nothing, and opposes human intervention in nature. The natural property of water is that it flows from high to low, and it is flat when it is still. This natural property of water is closest to the constant way of heaven, so there is a saying that it is "good as water". Humanism should take heaven as an example. When we are fighting for the Tao, we should not fight for the high and low, and let nature take its course. This is what Taoism and Confucianism have in common.
True perfection is innate and cannot be defined. Therefore, Liu Zushi mentioned that he did not think of good and evil.
But to say that goodness is like water, in fact, this goodness means that it is good to conform to Tao.
Laozi mentioned in Tao Te Ching that the virtue shown by water is the closest to Tao. The Tao here refers to the sky, which is the root of all things. Why is water the closest to the Tao? Because the virtue shown by water is very close to the operation of heaven.
For example, everything in water conservancy is indisputable, which completely coincides with the virtue of heaven's life without slaughter. Therefore, the virtue shown by water is not suitable for Tao, but for the endless and equal popularization of everything in the operation of heaven and earth. This is no different from the level of making money. So I call it a good thing, not a simple good thing.
There is no distinction between good and evil in Tao itself, but Laozi's thought is to teach people to follow Tao, so it is naturally good for people to guide their actions in the direction of Tao. This is the original intention of being good at water.
In fact, from a physical point of view, the fluid itself has no fixed shape, and it will be deformed by force, so it is also the most intuitive reflection of the role of force, so it is easy to reflect the "Tao" in the natural state, such as the downward flow of water, which is itself the embodiment of Tao. Therefore, in Laozi's moral concept, we can't regard the morality proposed by Laozi as a secular concept such as human kindness, but as an inherent legal virtue in human beings.
From this point of view, I think Laozi and Confucius are in the same strain at this point, and the difference is only the direction of understanding. Laozi tends to return to the original point, while Confucius thinks it is moving in the direction. However, it is a common understanding to follow this inherent principle, whether forward or backward. So Taoism and Confucianism are just one yin and one yang. Just as Laozi saw the indisputable nature of heaven, Confucius saw the unremitting self-improvement of heaven.
In fact, the "Tao" mentioned by Laozi or the "Tao" in China culture is similar. It refers to the laws and principles behind all nature, and virtue is the function of Tao. So what I was doing at that time was actually an observation experiment of scientific thoughts. It is wrong for us to over-metaphysical and popularize Laozi's theory. We should see the observation track of Laozi and his predecessors in thought and understand that this is actually in line with science.
Laozi is observing and thinking about this invisible principle and the phenomenon it embodies, thus condensing laws and thoughts and developing the theory of eliminating morality. The same is true of Confucianism, but the focus of observation is on people. But the metaphysics in theory is just because it can't be expressed, and it is not intentional.
In fact, all human mysticism is caused by lack of information, but some information is really unavailable, so many ideas can only be hung like this.
In "goodness is like water", the original meaning of "goodness" refers to moral conduct or virtue or character. The meaning of goodness is profound. The key to understanding goodness is to understand what goodness is. What is water?
If goodness is like water, Lao Tzu said, "If goodness is like water, water is the good of all things and the evil of all people, so it is a few words." Refers to: the supreme character is like water, does not strive for fame and fortune, and is favored by all things. Don't be knowledgeable with the world, don't compete with the world for a while, be gentle but tolerant of the world's mind and tolerance.
"Goodness" refers to the supreme quality, in other words, it is "supreme goodness". If good is water, that is the best. If water is water, what is the best? Or what is the supreme character? To understand the best, we must look at "water" again, because the best is like water.
What is water? Water is one of the most common substances on earth. It is an important resource for all life, including inorganic compounds and human beings. It is also the most important part of organisms and is called the source of human life. Water is colorless and odorless, invisible, transparent and pure. It can be seen that water is natural and nature is real, so water is real and has real nature.
So if goodness is like water, it can be understood that goodness is true and goodness is as real as water.
Laozi worships water, in fact, he is advocating "truth". Tao Te Ching is also called "moral truth", and its theme is "Taoism is natural". It's actually a theory about truth. Taoism calls practitioners real people, which shows its real importance.
In addition, truth is good, good is beautiful, no truth is bad, and no goodness is not beautiful. It also shows the importance of truth. To be a good person, you must first be true.
"Truth" is very important. What can be used for comparison? I thought of water, which is the closest thing to reality. In Taoist theory, water is preferably soft, water is continuous and dense, micro is silent, and giant is turbulent; No dispute with others, compatible with everything. Water has the virtue of nourishing all things, so that all things have their own benefits without contradicting them.
Based on this, it is easy to understand that goodness is true and water is true, so it makes sense.
The height and water are low, like a month. It seems that gas is born with two devices and two devices, and four elephants are born with four devices. Since ancient times, ghosts have been born, and heaven has been born. Nature is lonely, because everything is equal, and everything is equal, and life and death are unfair. Life and death are empty, and when the weather is high, you claim to respect the short and call yourself the father. Mother, heaven and earth are all people, and parents are virtuous, filial and respectful. Heaven and earth's parents have done good deeds in the past, so it is impossible for people to treat others with wisdom first and then with no disease. The awe and worship of heaven and earth from heaven and earth scared off insects and beasts, and the unity of heaven and man made them self-respecting, without taking the path, without scale, without increasing or decreasing, becoming a symbiosis without Buddhism and Taoism.
The net is as high as water and flows like the moon and Yang Taichi. This is how Tai Chi gives birth to two instruments, two instruments and four images. Since ancient times, it has been like a round Tai Chi. There are ghosts in the underworld. Heaven and man from heaven, into morality, humanity and goodness, nature is the same. Although heaven and earth are lonely, there are causes and consequences. In these things, everything is equal, and there are layers of sadness in the world and underground. There are also good and evil in cold life, which has its own reasons. Life and death are unfair things in people's minds. Life and death are equal. Life and death are born out of nothing. There is no extinction in the world. Think of heaven and earth, but it is the mother of all things. The world is always open to people, and both parents are virtuous. Parents are filial. Heaven and earth should put filial piety first, and goodness has merit. Things are the last use of human beings. People should treat diseases with wisdom first, and their hearts should be freed from diseases before they can be cured. People are the most self-centered in the world. Heaven and earth worship God, and insects and beasts fear this as a disaster sign. In times of peace, man and heaven seem to be one, self-respecting and self-loving, and do not take any path. The phenomenon of birth and death is the symbiosis of Buddhism and Taoism.
Graphics/From South to North
What is the original meaning of "goodness"? According to our ordinary people's understanding, it is kindness, innocence, auspiciousness, beauty and good at it. It refers to a specific psychological quality, or describes a state opposite to "evil". "easy virtue" is a traditional classic idiom in China. As usual, submit the original source first:
From the article, I know that Laozi directly put forward "goodness is like water". Tell the world that it needs to be done bit by bit in order to achieve the state of "good as water". Then I made an explanation from the following article. Solve the words according to the text first:
Water is good for all things, but it is not disputed. Water is evil for all people, so it is a few things.
A man should act like water, have the character of nourishing everything in the world, and only benefit others without seeking it. This is called "indisputable". Do what others can't do, don't want to do, and can't do. Do it actively, be tolerant, and "shelter evil people from evil practices". This is very close to the real "Tao".
Live well, have a good heart, be kind-hearted, be kind-spoken, be good at government and do good deeds, and live well in good times: be modest and self-sufficient and be willing to feel inferior.
Kindness: all rivers run into the sea, and the accumulation is thin.
Kindness: Do what you want and don't give up everything.
Good words and honesty: what you say is the same, and what you say will be done.
Good governance: be fair to yourself and be honest.
Good things can be done: if things are reasonable, things will be fine.
When moving well: move like a rabbit and follow the trend.
Husband is just indisputable, so there is nothing special in the world. The world is indisputable, and the way of heaven and earth is worry-free.
The above is Lao Zi's explanation of "goodness", taking water as an example to illustrate specific matters. Alas, "good intentions."
So, what is "good as water"? Laozi said, only by going to "water" can "goodness" be achieved.
Therefore, being wise is also good.
The above is my humble opinion. If there are differences, I hope to seek common ground while reserving differences and exchange needed goods. Thank you.
The original meaning of "goodness" is to have sympathy and compassion for the weak and humble life, and to give support and help as much as possible.
So what does it mean to be as good as water?
"Shang" refers to the upper level, which holds the power of life and death and is essentially the highest decision-making department of the country. What are the characteristics of "like water" and how to explain it? "Water" is characterized by being moist, low and pervasive. This makes it clear what connection means.
"Benevolence is like water" means that the ruling class in a high position can sympathize with and understand the people they manage, their living conditions and situations, give them an appropriate free and relaxed environment as much as possible, and give care and help to various problems in their survival.
Finally, why is it for the people who are managed? The reason is that the working people of past dynasties lived by suffering, were enslaved and suppressed, and were at the bottom of society, the most pitiful and weak.
I'm bored to death. I'm writing and chanting water.
Water goes down from high places, not high places, not too low to play, and flows to the lowest place on the earth.
This shows the humility of water;
Water harbors filth and filth, harbors everything and trickles into the sea.
This shows the tolerance of water;
A drop of water wears away a stone. Perseverance is like a fool moving mountains, and he will never stop until he reaches his goal.
This shows the tenacity of water;
Water is the source of life. Without water, all living things can't survive.
This shows the goodness of water;
A scourge, devastating, destroying everything and poisoning life, the destructive power of water is endless.
This shows the power of water;
Water is unpredictable, sometimes it turns into ice, sometimes it turns into gas, and so on.
Water is like this, eclectic and accommodating.
If you ask who can be everyone's teacher?
There is nothing better than water!
Look at this cold iron sword. It is invincible and indestructible. Whoever makes it depends on water.
Look at this long drought and dead wood, it is in danger, and water diversion can glow with vitality and prosperity;
Water can help the fire, make the flame endless, and also put out the fire, making the fire invisible;
There are many tall buildings, resplendent and magnificent, from the palace compound to the civilian residence. If there is harmony between water, castles can also be built in the air.
Water is vicious and kind, but the users are people.
Soldiers can definitely drown cities and destroy lives;
Farmers can draw water for irrigation, sowing and harvesting;
Laborers can dredge the scattered flow of people and protect the family and the country;
Of course, writers can also write poems for this purpose, which are arty and leave a lasting farewell;
Or a painter, who can sharpen and save pen, write freely and draw enchanting charm.
Water comes from angels in heaven,
A demon from hell.
Water is lovely, lovely in water,
There is nothing wrong with water, but with people.
Cherish water, pity water, learn water, respect water and fear water.
The world is supreme, only water is unbreakable,
The world is the best, only water is broken.
Very little, as for the intangible,
As for silence, it is simply wonderful.
Gu can be in charge of human life,
Gu can make great achievements in the world,
Caring for the good spirit of the whole world.
Of course, I have to add one sentence at the end.
Water even said!
I am so bored that I turn a blind eye to books.
Hey ... hey ... hey. ...
Kindness, like water, is about noumenon, which is the same as "heaven and earth are ruthless, and everything is grass dogs", which means that water and heaven and earth have no dominant consciousness. There is a truth, such as good wind and good spirit, because there is no consciousness to lead, so let nature take its course and follow the shape, as detailed in the Tao Te Ching. The key here is to distinguish between good and evil, not the consciousness of separation of good and evil under our secular moral standards, similar to the conscience of the soul, the truth of Taoism and Buddhism. If the water is good, the logic doesn't make sense, and it can't explain the ruthlessness of fire and water. It is not a simple text carrier to read Tao Te Ching with philosophical thinking of body, phase and use. Pointed out the first word at the beginning, metaphysical, ontological, functional, natural and artificial.