"Don't be surprised by favor or disgrace, just watch the flowers blooming and falling in front of the court. There is no intention to go or stay, just follow the clouds rolling and relaxing in the sky."
This is in "Youchuangxiao" compiled by Chen Meigong of the Ming Dynasty. The couplets of Ming Dynasty man Hong Yingming recorded in "Records".
The meaning of this sentence is that when doing things for others, you can treat favors and disgraces as normal as the blossoming and falling of flowers, so that you will not be surprised; only if you treat the change of positions like clouds and clouds, you will not be surprised.
It is the state of taking all glory and humiliation calmly. Enjoy the flowers blooming and falling in the courtyard with a calm mood. Don't care about all the ups and downs, gains and losses, just watch the clouds in the sky gather and disperse with the wind. The so-called calmness of the body can lead to the elegance of leisurely watching. Only when the heart is unintentional can there be a casual style. This is a state, the proper attitude towards fame and fortune, whether you are happy with gains or not worried about losses.
Extended information
The book "Little Window Youji" is divided into twelve chapters: Xing, Qing, Qiao, Ling, Su, Jing, Yun, Qi, Qi, Hao, Fa and Qian. The volume contains more than 1,500 chapters, covering various aspects such as self-cultivation, cultivating one's character, establishing one's reputation, establishing morality, studying, becoming an official, establishing a career, managing a family, etc. It mainly expresses the idea that literati are indifferent to fame and wealth, are tranquil and far-reaching, and are extraordinary and refined. inner world and spiritual pursuit.
"The Story of a Small Window" is one of the representative works of Qingyan in the Ming Dynasty.
The whole book has a rigorous structure, clear classification, and deliberately depicts the "secluded" realm. The four volumes of Xing, Qiao, Qi, and Hao express the helplessness of having no career and no spare time to serve the country. The leisurely mood and leisurely contentment are entrusted in the mountains, rivers, pavilions and ancient spiritual books.