Real people

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>From Chuang tzu Chapter 6;

 

"Real people of ancient times did not oppose

minorities, did not lionize success, and did not

scheme things up. Being thus, they were not sorry

when they were wrong, and they were not smug when

they were right.

So they were not frightened in high places, did

not get wet in water, were not scorched by fire.

This is how knowledge can ascend to the Way.

Real people of ancient times slept without

dreams, and awoke without worries. Their food was

not sweet, their breathing was very deep.

Real people breathe from their heels; ordinary

people breathe from their throats.

Those who are stifled speak from their throats

as if choking. Those whose cravings and desires

are deep are shallow in their celestial potential.

Real people of ancient times did not know to

like life and hate death. They came to life

without rejoicing andwent to death without

resisting; they simply came unencumbered and went

unencumbered. They did not forget their beginnings

or look for their end. They accepted their lot

gladly, then returned it without minding.

This is called not diminishing the Way by the

mind, not trying to help the divine by means of

the human. Such are called real people.

Those who are thus have a focused mind, a quiet

countenance, and a relaxed brow. They are cool as

autumn, warm as spring; their emotions correspond

to the four seasons. They have expedients for

dealing with people, and none know their limit."