Quandao Can rise and fall

Author: Wen Te
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: The three books, "Up and Down," "Flexible and Round," and "Black and White," align with the dialectics. The I Ching says: "One yin and one yang constitute the Tao." They discuss the principles and techniques of how to conduct oneself and navigate the world, which we can discover through reading history. The I Ching says: "One yin and one yang constitute the Tao." The three books each have their own focus. "Up and Down" addresses capability and mindset—both the ability to rise and the ability to descend are necessary. Without capability, nothing can be discussed, and a balanced mindset is equally indispensable. In the turbulent world of politics, the skills to swim and dive are both crucial. "Flexible and Round" discusses the combination of principle and flexibility, integrated to the point of being seamless. Some people like to use ancient copper coins as an analogy, saying the best are internally square and externally round. However, I believe the internal should also be round and the external should also be square. Since flexibility is discussed, then square and round cannot be rigidly matched to form and function. "Black and White" discusses purpose and means. This is clear: black is the means, and white is the goal. Yet black can also be a goal, and white can also be a means. Yue Fei, the general, said, "The subtlety of application lies in the heart-mind." The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao. These three books, though extensive with hundreds of thousands of words, still leave some things unsaid or not fully explained. But I think the essence is roughly outlined. Chairman Mao said, "Practice, theory, practice, then theory again, then practice once more—repeating this cycle infinitely." Perhaps what matters most is practice.