The True Man
Excerpt from Chang Tzu, Chapter 6, “The Great Venerable Teacher”:
What do I mean by a true man? The True Man of ancient times did not rebel against want, did not grow proud in plenty, and did not plan his affairs. A man like this could commit an error and not regret it, could meet with success and not make a show. A man like this could climb high places and not be frightened, could enter the water and not get wet, could enter the fire and not get burned. His knowledge was able to climb all the way up to the Way like this.
The True Man of ancient times slept without dreaming and woke without care; he ate without savoring and his breath came from deep inside. The True Man breathes with his heels; the mass of men breathe with their throats. Crushed and bound down, they gasp their words as though they were retching. Deep in their passions and their desires, they are shallow in the workings of Heaven.
(Photography: Jodi Lai)
