What is the origin of He Bo’s view of the sea?

It comes from "He Bo and Bei Hai Ruo" in the "Autumn Waters" chapter of "Zhuangzi·Wai Pian".

The synopsis of the story of "He Bo and Bei Hairuo"

Autumn rains come at the right time, and water from many large rivers and streams pours into the Yellow River. The straight and smooth water widens, and both sides of the river widen. There are only sandbanks in the river, and even cattle and horses cannot be distinguished. So the River God was pleased and complacent, thinking that all the splendor of the world was gathered in him.

He followed the water to the east and came to the North Sea. Looking eastward, he could not see the end of the water. So the River God changed his previous complacent expression, looked up at the Sea God and sighed. Said: "As the saying goes, 'After hearing hundreds of truths, I think that no one in the world is inferior to myself', that's me!

And I have heard that some people think that Confucius has little knowledge and look down on Boyi. At first I didn't believe in your righteous deeds; now that I see your inexhaustible appearance, I would be in danger if I didn't come to you. I will be ridiculed by people who understand the truth for a long time."

Zhuang Zhou refused to be hired by King Wei of Chu because he advocated freedom. In his life, he only served as a lacquer garden official in the Song Dynasty. Known as the "Proud Official of Qiyuan" in history, he was hailed as a model for local officials. Zhuangzi first proposed the idea of ??"inner sage and outer king", which had a profound influence on Confucianism.

Zhuangzi had an insight into the theory of changes, and profoundly pointed out that "the book of changes is based on yin and yang"; Zhuangzi's "three sounds" thought is consistent with the three talents of the book of changes. His representative work is "Zhuangzi", among which famous articles include "Xiaoyaoyou", "Equality of Things" and so on. As famous as Lao Tzu, he is called Lao Zhuang.

Zhuangzi's imagination is extremely rich, his language can be used freely and flexibly, and he can explain some subtle and unspeakable philosophies in a fascinating way. His works are called "philosophy of literature, literature of philosophy". It is said that he lived in seclusion in Nanhua Mountain. Therefore, in the early days of Emperor Xuanzong's reign in the Tang Dynasty, he decreed that Zhuang Zhou be the real person of Nanhua, and his book "Zhuangzi" was called "Nanhua Zhenjing".

Only "Zhuangzi" is divided into three parts: inner chapter, outer chapter and miscellaneous chapter, written by Zhuangzi and his followers.

Baidu Encyclopedia - Zhuangzi Qiushui

Baidu Encyclopedia - Hebo and Hairuo