Daoist Classics--- Laozi and Zhuangzi

Author: Liu Guosheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: Ancient Chinese cultural classics are abundant, with numerous works on self-cultivation and conduct. Among them, The Art of Eating Vegetables and Evening Talks by the Hearth stand out in terms of influence, reach, and vitality. The Art of Eating Vegetables was written by Hong Yingming, styled Zi Cheng, alias Huai Chu Dao Ren, a figure from the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. The title is derived from the meaning of "Biting into vegetable roots makes one capable of accomplishing all things." It encapsulates the essence of Chinese millennia of wisdom in dealing with life, covering everything from family governance and self-cultivation to daily necessities and interpersonal interactions. It summarizes practical experiences and lessons from life, proposing principles and methods for handling affairs, becoming a classic guide for future generations in conduct and self-improvement. Evening Talks by the Hearth, authored by Wang Yongbin of the Qing Dynasty, centers on conduct and life, touching on all aspects of social life. It connects the ideals of self-cultivation, family harmony, governance, and world peace with daily routines, infusing rigid Confucian teachings with a strong sense of life and humanity. In a relaxed and pleasant manner, it imparts profound insights. The book is filled with instructive and concise sayings, offering unique perspectives on conduct, self-cultivation, interpersonal relationships, and ideal aspirations. Delving into it yields endless rewards. As works from the feudal era, The Art of Eating Vegetables and Evening Talks by the Hearth inevitably contain some content that clashes with our times, filled with feudal dross. Therefore, we must adopt a selective approach to learning, absorbing the essence while discarding the dross, so that we can apply ancient wisdom to the modern world, making it a reference for our spiritual cultivation and conduct.