#10 Rediscovering Inner Peace
Transcend the fatal conceit of subjectivity, get detached from a self-centered approach to life, and reside in spiritual tranquility.
In the old times, Emperor Yao encountered a crisis of confidence in governing the country. So, he intended to cede his empire to Xu You, a legendary Taoist philosopher, hoping that Xu You could run the country in a better way.
Yet, Xure You did not intend to get involved in politics, let alone take up the responsibilities of a ruler. Thus, he turned down Emperor Yao’s offer, saying that
“You govern the world and the world is already well governed. Now if I take your place, will I be doing it for a name? But name is only the guest of reality — will I be doing it so I can play the part of a guest? When the tailorbird builds her nest in the deep wood, she uses no more than one branch. When the mole drinks at the river, he takes no more than a bellyful. Go home and forget the matter, my lord. I have no use for the rulership of the world! Though the cook may not run his kitchen properly, the priest and the impersonator of the dead at the sacrifice do not leap over the wine casks and sacrificial stands and go take his place.”1
Being authentic
Crafting a life of authenticity requires a steadfast commitment to one's own path, untethered by the distractions of external validation. In the legend, Xu You embodies this principle in action. Despite the tempting lures of political honor and fame, he remains resolute in his dedication to his inner peace. He refuses to live a life defined by societal expectations. Instead, he chooses to chart his own course based on his deeply held convictions and life's calling. In his unwavering resolve, Xu You guards the essence of authenticity, standing firm against conventional values such as recognition and fame.
We would be drifting in life’s journey if we did not have a purpose or were not driven by a specific meaning. Xu You’s example shows he clearly understands his life's purpose. Unlike those who may covet political power and the accolades that accompany it, Xu You remains grounded in his self-awareness, unswayed by the trappings of external recognition. His refusal to be driven by societal norms and conventional measures of success underscores his commitment to living a life of genuine fulfillment. This gesture inspires us to contemplate this question: should one follow one’s moral compass rather than the expectations of others in navigating the world?
If we think about it, many of our troubles and emotional disturbances come from an insufficient understanding of ourselves. The fact is that sometimes, we are unwilling to accept who we are. Therefore, we get entangled in all sorts of complex and nerve-wracking situations. Lao Tzu said, “He who knows others is learned; He who knows himself is wise. He who conquers others has power of muscles; He who conquers himself is strong.” To restore our inner peace and obtain the composure to respond to life’s uncertainties, we must first make peace with our true selves.
In this sense, we understand that Xu You's recognition of Yao's governance achievements shows his self-knowledge, astute judgment, and ability to navigate public affairs. By acknowledging Yao's proficiency, Xu You demonstrates a humility born of genuine self-assurance. He is assured of his own abilities and unencumbered by the need for comparison or competition. In this way, Xu You exemplifies the essence of authenticity. He can, therefore, forge a life true to himself and stand up for himself in the face of external pressures or expectations.
Beyond narratives
Hui Tzu, a good friend of Chuang Tzu, told him one day that the King of Wei had given him some seeds of a huge gourd. He planted them without paying too much attention. Sometime later, the fruit had become so big. Hui Tzu tried using it as a water container but could not lift it because it became too heavy. Then, he split it in half. But still, they were too large and unwieldy to be used in daily life. Eventually, Hui Tzu smashed them into pieces because he thought they were useless.
Upon hearing this, Chuang Tzu replied that the problem was that Hui Tzu did not know how to use big things. Then, he shared a story with Hui Tzu.
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