The Contented Man
The contented man can be happy with what appears to be useless.
He can find worthwhile occupation in forests and mountains. He stays
in a small cottage and associates with the simple. He would not exchange
his worn clothes for the imperial robes, nor the load on his back
for a four-horse carriage. He leaves the jade in the mountain and
the pearls in the sea. Wherever he goes, whatever he does, he can
be happy—he knows when to stop. He does not pick the brief-blossoming
flower; he does not travel the dangerous road. To him, the ten thousand
possessions are dust in the wind. He sings as he travels among the
green mountains.
He finds sheltering branches more comforting than red-gated mansions,
the plow in his hands more rewarding than the prestige of titles
and banners, fresh mountain water more satisfying than the feasts
of the wealthy. He acts in true freedom. What can competition for
honours mean to him? What attraction can anxiety and greed possibly
hold? Through simplicity he has Tao, and from Tao, everything. He
sees the light in the "darkness", the clear in the "cloudy",
the speed in the "slowness", the full in the "empty." The
cook creating a meal with his own hands has as much honour in his
eyes as a famous singer or high official. He has no profits to gain,
no salary to lose; no applause, no criticism. When he looks up, it
is not in envy. When he looks down, it is not with arrogance. Many
look at him, but nobody sees him. Calm and detached, he is free from
all danger, a dragon hidden among men.
Source: Taoist alchemist and herbalist Ko Hung, as
quoted in The Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff
Return to Inspiration
Return to Site Map
Share This Page
Content is copyright © Survival.ark.au 2005-2024 All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use. Definitely read the disclaimer before trying anything from this website, especially including the practices and skills. This website uses affiliate links – this doesn't cost you any more, but I get a commission on purchases made through the website. As an Amazon Associate I earn similarly from qualifying purchases.
|