Square and Round Worldly Wisdom

Author: Hou Qingheng (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: Too square is unyielding, too round is without strength; too round may lose principles, too square may exceed standards. Whether square or round, there must be a measure and a boundary. How should we face the issue of square and round? Tao Yuanming refused to bow his head and resign his post just for five bushels of rice, leaving behind many poems for later generations, but his talent for governing and pacifying the people had no chance to be demonstrated. Similarly, Zheng Banqiao, also a clean official, adopted a strategy of patience and compromise, using his wisdom to deal with corrupt officials and accomplished many good deeds. This undoubtedly reflects the thoughts left by square and round for later generations. In dealing with people and matters, one can be outwardly round and inwardly square. Square and round must each adhere to their boundaries to achieve perfection. Mastering the square and round of life is mastering the "degree" of life. Square is the foundation of being a person, while round is the way of standing in the world. Outwardly round and inwardly square is the great wisdom and philosophy of Zen saints. Square within round, round within square, square and round complementing each other. This is the ideal realm of Chinese people in dealing with life.