As Confucius became more and more famous, people began to seek advice from him. Therefore, Confucius imitated his mother, Yan Zheng, in running a school.
One day, his student Nangong Jingshu reported to Confucius,""Teacher, I heard that Shi Laodan of the Zhou Capital is very knowledgeable.”Confucius said,"Yes. Laodan, the historian of the Zhou Dynasty, was familiar with the present, knew the origin of rites and music, and understood the essentials of morality. I've long wanted to ask him for advice. Are you willing to go with me?”"That's great. I'm willing." Uncle Nangong Jing was so happy that he almost jumped up.
Duke Zhao of Lu sent them a carriage, two horses, and a child servant. Confucius took Uncle Nangong Jing and rode in the carriage sent by Duke Zhao of Lu to Luoyi, the capital of Zhou, to learn from Laozi.
Laozi's student, Geng Sangchu, saw Confucius at the gate and quickly went in to report to Laozi,""Sir, Kong Qiu is here."
"Invite him in." Laozi said.
Confucius came in and bowed respectfully, saying,""Sir, how are you?"
"I'm still the same. How's your study going?"
"I've read all the books that can be found in the world. I've studied 'Poem',' Shu','Rite', and' Music'. After thinking for a long time, I don't quite understand some of the questions, so I've specially come to consult you.”
"What problem? Please speak."
"May I ask why people don't abide by the rites established by the Duke of Zhou?”
Lao Tzu said," What you are talking about is the ancient people's, but the ancient people's corpses have rotted, and their bones have rotted. They only left a few words, which are outdated. You can't look at them so dead, or else you will tire yourself out." I've heard that rich merchants have a lot of money, but they look like they have nothing. A gentleman with both virtue and ability looked like a stupid person. Get rid of your arrogance and other desires, judging people by their appearances, and your lecherous heart, because these will not do you any good. This is all I can tell you."
Confucius came back from Laozi's place. He felt that Laozi's words were full of philosophy and were too profound. He did not speak for three days, trying to understand Laozi's words. Zi Gong asked Confucius what was wrong.
Confucius said,"If I meet someone whose thoughts are as bold as a bird, I can shoot him down and subdue him with an argument as sharp as a bow and arrow. If his thoughts run wild like an elk, I can chase him with hounds, and I can make him yield to my argument. If his thoughts swim like fish in the abyss, I can catch him with a hook. However, if the other party's mind was like a dragon, riding the clouds and fog, roaming in the Grand Illusionary Land, invisible and unpredictable, I would not be able to chase and capture him. When I saw Laozi, I felt that his state of mind was like a dragon roaming in the Great Void, making me unable to speak and unable to retract my tongue. It made me uneasy and I didn't know whether he was a human or a god. Laodan is my true teacher!"
After Confucius asked Lao Tzu for advice, he tried his best to comprehend Lao Tzu's theory of the theory of
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