from Chapter 7Thien Kan, rambling on the south of (mount) Yin, came to the neighbourhood of the Liâo-water. Happening there to meet with the man whose name is not known, he put a question to him, saying, 'I beg to ask what should be done in order to (carry on) the government of the world.' The nameless man said, 'Go away; you are a rude borderer. Why do you put to me a question for which you are unprepared? I would simply play the part of the Maker of (all) things. When wearied, I would mount on the bird of the light and empty air, proceed beyond the six cardinal points, and wander in the region of nonentity, to dwell in the wilderness of desert space. What method have you, moreover, for the government of the world that you (thus) agitate my mind?' (Thien Kan), however, again asked the question, and the nameless man said, 'Let your mind find its enjoyment in pure simplicity; blend yourself with (the primary) ether in idle indifference; allow all things to take their natural course; and admit no personal or selfish consideration:-- do this and the world will be governed.'~ Stephen R. McIntyre translation ~
As I read this passage, I think Zhuangzi isn't really talking about governing the WHOLE world, just each person's little corner of it. When we try to control every aspect of our lives, we always fail because there are too many variables in play.
For me, this is why both Laozi and Zhuangzi (Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu) continually harp on this idea of "idle indifference". It's not that we should have no feelings nor emotions in regards to the life we encounter, that we shouldn't care what happens to ourselves and our fellow beings. I don't understand these pronouncements as suggesting that we should go through life with an altogether apathetic attitude.
I think what they mean by indifference is that we should not try to force things based on our desires. When we cater to said desires, we try to force the flow of life in unnatural directions and, too often, the result is unintended consequences.
We can best progress as individuals when we withdraw from trying to shape, form and control outcomes. It is only when we allow "things to take their natural course" -- unencumbered by our selfish goals and objectives -- that we can find the greatest success.
To read more musings about the Zhuangzi, you can visit the index page for this ongoing series.
For me, this is why both Laozi and Zhuangzi (Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu) continually harp on this idea of "idle indifference". It's not that we should have no feelings nor emotions in regards to the life we encounter, that we shouldn't care what happens to ourselves and our fellow beings. I don't understand these pronouncements as suggesting that we should go through life with an altogether apathetic attitude.
I think what they mean by indifference is that we should not try to force things based on our desires. When we cater to said desires, we try to force the flow of life in unnatural directions and, too often, the result is unintended consequences.
We can best progress as individuals when we withdraw from trying to shape, form and control outcomes. It is only when we allow "things to take their natural course" -- unencumbered by our selfish goals and objectives -- that we can find the greatest success.
To read more musings about the Zhuangzi, you can visit the index page for this ongoing series.
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