Thursday, September 11, 2008

Huashu

The ''Guanzi'' is an encyclopedic compilation of materials named after the 7th century BCE philosopher Guan Zhong, Prime Minister to Duke Huan of Qi. The Han Dynasty scholar edited the received ''Guanzi'' text circa 26 BCE, largely from sources associated with the 4th century BCE "Jixia Academy" in the capital of Linzi.

Although most ''Guanzi'' chapters philosophically characterize , other sections blend doctrines from Confucianism and Daoism. For example, the ''Neiye'' chapter has some the oldest recorded descriptions of Daoist meditation techniques.
When you enlarge your mind and let go of it,

When you relax your vital breath and expand it,

When your body is calm and unmoving:

And you can maintain the One and discard the myriad disturbances.

You will see profit and not be enticed by it,

You will see harm and not be frightened by it.

Relaxed and unwound, yet acutely sensitive,

In solitude you delight in your own person.

This is called "revolving the vital breath":

Your thoughts and deeds seem heavenly.

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