Therefore, just like comparing the theme level of "things" (problem) to a big tree with its main trunk, branches and leaves, its own theme level can also be used as a similar metaphor. The purpose of each level is to judge rationality and grasp the theme of "things" and has its own value. The higher the level of one's own theme, the greater the value of its rationality in judgment and grasping the theme of "things".
also takes a big tree as an example. We can use the highest level of our theme as the backbone of the tree. Assume that the contents reflected in the highest level of "I"'s own theme, such as principles, ideas, methods, etc., are reasonable. At this time, the ideas and practices that are conducive to the protection and growth of the backbone are often reasonable, while the opposite ideas and practices are often unreasonable.
and so on, it can also be understood in this way. When the changes in the "thing" and its environment itself will produce (potential) results that are contradictory to the higher-level theme of the "individual", the changes in the "thing" and its environment are often unreasonable. At this time, we should make avoidance of unreasonableness the main theme of the follow-up "things".
2. Thinking based on wisdom
Of course, the judgment and evaluation of the so-called "benefiting the trunk of the big tree" and "contradicting the higher-level theme" also requires wisdom.
The first example.
Friends who have raised flowers and plants may have similar experiences. Usually, the side facing the sun will grow faster and better, while the side facing the sun will be inferior. If you ignore it, the flowers and plants will often grow crooked and become unsightly over time. what to do? Turn the direction of the flower pot and turn the original side of the sun to the side facing the sun. Slowly, the main trunk of the flowers and plants becomes straighter again. Although the side of the flower pot is turned forward and the sunny side grows poorly, and the growth of the side of the sunny side is inhibited after turning, the whole pot of flowers has achieved reasonable growth. In addition, if you observe for a while and turn the flower pot a few times, you will also find that while the main trunk grows reasonably, the branches and leaves on either side have achieved reasonable growth. ( maintains the backbone not means that branches and leaves are damaged, losses are compensated for losses, and multiple profits are made )
The second example.
Xiaoyao often sees gardeners pruning trees beside Songhua River . After each pruning, a large number of branches and leaves will be pruned. Sometimes, some poorly grown trees may even be pruned to the point where only the main trunk and a few larger branches remain, similar to bald trees. However, in midsummer, what we were given was lushness. ( Why bother with every branch and every leaf? If the trunk is not damaged, the big tree will flourish. )
The third example.
There is such a sentence in "The Analects of Confucius". Zixia said: Even if there is a small path, there must be something to be seen. If you are far away, you will be afraid of mud. Therefore, a gentleman will not do anything.
Xiaoyao didn't know when and under what circumstances did Zixia say this sentence; was it quoted Kong Fuzi or his original works. Therefore, please allow Xiaoyao to put aside the above questions and explain this sentence literally, and then talk about his own thoughts.
According to the modern understanding, this sentence means: Although it is not a great way, there must be something that can attract people. If you study it deeply, you may find it difficult to extricate yourself from it, so a gentleman does not do this.
Xiaoyao's understanding is: the great way is the high-level theme. In Confucianism , it is mainly reflected in both benevolence and righteousness, and belongs to the moral level. The trail is equivalent to a low-level theme, which is mainly reflected in various skills based on "talent and skill".
It is quite difficult to achieve the great way, and it is not easy to gain the little way. From hobbies to concentration to gaining something, it also requires a process of persistence.
But why don’t gentlemen work for the Tao?
First of all, people's energy is limited. When focusing on the path, they will inevitably neglect the path, which will lead to a decline in the level of their own theme.
Secondly, talent must be impressive, which will lead to preferences. is often inevitable. When there is a contradiction with the great way, which type of theme is the criterion for judgment? Who can guarantee that no matter how the "brain" is injured in order to protect the "branches"?
A little thought:
Xiaoyao believes that most people have the following experience: for talented people, we often show love, while for moral people, we often show respect. We are often willing to get close to the people we like. And for those who respect, we often keep a distance.
We often have a similar understanding of the high and low-level themes. Therefore, many friends will inevitably get close to the "branches and leaves" and alienate the "branch". Some friends have even had the following concerns: when the theme is low, "I" may be easier to contact and communicate with everyone; and as the theme level increases, the distance between "I" and people around them often expands.
Xiaoyao thought that he didn't have to take it to heart.
Confucius climbs the East Mountain and the Small Lu, climbs the Taishan and the Small World. If you don’t climb Mount Dong, you don’t know Xiao Lu, and if you don’t climb Mount Tai, you don’t know the small world!
The process of elite self-cultivation is to some extent a process of helping us achieve multiple profits. We first have the ability to climb Mount Tai, and then lead everyone to the top together. Wouldn’t it be better to share the feeling of a small world?
Let us work together to improve the level of our theme!
