This is a knowing word. Is that a sheep talking? That's not true. Instead, people are praising the gentle and beautiful character of sheep, so the original meaning of "good" is "good", "kindness" and "meekness", and later it has extended the meanings of "friendliness", "professionalism", "identity", "calmness" and "familiarity".
Good as water, Lao Tzu's "good as water" obviously refers to the extended meaning.
"Being kind as water" is now an idiom, which means "the supreme character is like water, which does not dispute fame and fortune and is favored by all things". At present, it is easier for the public to understand "goodness" as "kindness" and interpret the whole sentence as "the best kindness moistens things like water and asks for nothing in return".
These are all right. The extension and interpretation of an idiom by later generations should be based on the environment and times, but how to explain the original text as close as possible to Laozi's original intention?
There is no distinction between good and evil in Lao Tzu's eyes, only "inaction" and "promising", inaction by the way, promising the opposite.
"Heaven and earth are ruthless, and everything is a grass dog". Everything in the world is born according to the Tao and dies according to the Tao, and there is no difference. "Good" and "evil" are only positive and negative mappings between heaven and earth. A truly enlightened person will not care about good and evil according to the standards given by the world.
The so-called good and evil put forward by people are just fleeting in the minds of the awakened ones, and will eventually belong to the avenue and mix with it.
So first of all, it is certain that the "goodness" in Tao Te Ching is not "goodness".
Lao Tzu refers to a state of Tao with "goodness" here, and "goodness" is a state very close to Tao. Because in the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu also said that it is a silent, invisible and intangible thing, and its name is barely called Tao, so the unpredictability of Tao is really like water, not limited to its shape. The characteristics of Tao, like water, treat all things equally and give birth to all things unconsciously.
The closer you get to the Tao, the more you will find that the state of the Tao is like water. All aquatic things are low-key, indisputable, content with the status quo, and in a low position that everyone doesn't like. So it's a bit like the Tao giving birth to everything without being known.
Here, we continue to elaborate seven similarities between water and Tao, which is actually to visualize Tao, so that everyone can learn all kinds of qualities of water and pursue Tao.
"Live well", water flows downwards, not upstream, which is an adaptation of "Tao"; "The heart is kind and deep", and the water is silent and unfathomable, which is the abyss of "Tao"; "For goodness", Shui Ze surrendered to everything without asking for anything in return, which is Tao's great benevolence; "Good words and good faith", water will avoid obstacles and will definitely follow the road. This is the trustworthiness of Tao; "Good governance by politics", clear water and balanced measurement, is the rule of "Tao"; "Good things can be done", the water meets the square and the circle is round, which is the ability of "Tao"; When "moving well", it is hydrated in winter and iced in spring, and there are abundant dry seasons. This is the era of Tao.
Only when we don't argue with things, people, heaven and earth are like water, treat foreign things in line with their natural development and the rules of Tao, so that they can achieve perfection and harmony with themselves, naturally there is nothing to worry about.
Water has seven virtues (the seven characteristics of Tao) without worrying, and so does our pursuit of Tao. All the "goodness" in this chapter actually boils down to the state of "indisputable", that is, "inaction"
So "goodness" in water is actually a state very close to "Tao".
This is quite different from our understanding today, but it does not affect the meaning of idioms and sentences to keep pace with the times.
In fact, it is difficult to really know the true meaning of Laozi's original text, but we can be sure that in Laozi's eyes, everything in the world is transformed from Tao and will eventually belong to the avenue, and it will be endless.
The "avenue" pursued by Laozi is far above the "goodness" recognized by ordinary people.
So he would never say anything like "the best kindness", he is not at this level.
Welcome to comment.
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, their natural attributes are the same at birth. In addition to being cute, they all open their mouths to cry (scream) when they are hungry, and bite their mother's nipples when they are very hungry. Happy when you are full, the essence is basically the same, that is, "sexual similarity", but evil is not important. 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 the similarity between Taoism and Confucianism.
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.
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. But whether you are going forward or backward, following this inherent principle is * * * learning. 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, Lao Tzu's "Tao" or the "Tao" in China culture, everyone's understanding of * * * is actually similar, which refers to the laws and principles behind all nature, and virtue is the role 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.
It's my pleasure to answer your question!
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!
What is the original intention of kindness? In my opinion, everything should be analyzed from many aspects, not judged unilaterally.
Confucius said, "Yin and Yang are the Tao" and "Life is easy". It is said that everything is Yin and Yang, and the interaction between Yin and Yang Can produces everything.
The Book of Changes also talked about a word and Tai Chi. Tai Chi includes Yin and Yang.
It should be said that at the beginning of the universe, there was chaos, creation, growth of all things, natural gestation and endless life. The natural operation of the universe is a natural law, so there is no distinction between good and evil in heaven and earth itself. Whether it is sunny, lightning or thunder, there is no distinction between good and evil. He just runs according to a certain law, and the operation of this law is the operation that makes the universe exist.
We know that high temperature can kill bacteria, and low temperature can kill bacteria. However, if it is always high or low temperature, then we humans and everything will be unbearable.
Everything has been different since the earth had human beings. Humans divide a certain category into good and a certain category into evil; Classify some behaviors as good and some behaviors as evil. From then on, there was a distinction between good and evil.
Lao Tzu said that goodness is like water, and the goodness here refers to what we humans say. We classify good language, good behavior, good morality and so on as good. And I use water to describe goodness, which means that the good side of water tells us what goodness is.
Kindness is like water, and water is good for all things, and there is no dispute. Become excellent, become great, moisten everything like water, and take no credit.
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. ...
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.
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.