Those who look outward are dreaming, and those who look inward are awake.
– Carl · Jung (Switzerland psychologist)
"I don't know that I am a guest in my dream, and I am greedy for joy for a while." Li Yu's words,
It shows how many people are lost and drunk in the glitz and glamour of the world.
We are often confused by the colorful world in the process of looking outward,
Forget the purest self in the depths of your heart.
As Carl · Jung said, this endless exploration of the outside world,
often constructs one gorgeous dream after another,
And true sobriety is hidden in the hidden path of inward scrutiny.
The illusion outside the dream, Zhuangzi's leisure
Stepping into the dream of "Zhuangzi", we meet the wanderer who is beyond the object.
He dreams of butterflies and doesn't know that Zhou's dream is a butterfly, or is the butterfly's dream a Zhou's?
This question is not only a profound discussion of the boundary between dreams and reality, but also a philosophical reflection on the realm of life.
Zhuangzi tells us that true freedom lies not in the vastness of the outside world, but in the unfettered ness of the mind.
He advocated "fasting the heart" and "sitting and forgetting", that is, through inner cultivation, to achieve a state of spiritual freedom that transcends material and self.
This is the ultimate embodiment of inward examination, a place of tranquility found in the midst of the chaos of the world.
The awakening of the heart, the Prajna of the Heart Sutra
Turning east, we step into the door of Prajna wisdom of the Heart Sutra.
"When contemplating the bodhisattva of self-contemplation, when he walks in the deep prajnaparamita, he sees that the five aggregates are empty."
This short scripture contains profound philosophical implications. It teaches us that, through deep vipassana, we can gain insight into the nature of the emptiness of everything in the world, so that we can get rid of attachment and troubles, and achieve spiritual awakening and liberation.
This coincides with Carl · Jung's view, which emphasizes the importance of inward exploration, through self-knowledge and understanding, and ultimately the realization of freedom and peace of mind.
SOCRATES: Know thyself
The ancient Greece philosopher Socrates, with his motto "Know thyself", illuminated the path of human self-exploration.
Through constant questioning and dialogue, he guides people to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors, so as to discover the truth and wisdom of their hearts.
Socrates' life is a journey of deep inward examination, and his story tells us that true wisdom lies not in the accumulation of knowledge, but in a deep understanding of the self.
Zhuge Liang: Indifferent and ambitious, quiet and far-reaching
Across time and space, we come to the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang with the eight-character motto of "indifferent and bright, quiet and far-reaching", showing his otherworldly philosophy of life.
In the chaotic times, he always maintained his inner sobriety and firmness, was not moved by the outside world, and focused on his inner pursuit and ideals.
Zhuge Liang's life is the best interpretation of the power of inward examination, and he has proved with his actions that only inner tranquility and sobriety can lead us to a farther future.
乔布斯：Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish
Back in modern times, Apple's founder, Steve · Jobs, with his unique spirit of innovation and deep insight, influenced the whole world.
His "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish" is not only a message to young people, but also a true portrayal of his own continuous inward scrutiny and courage to reinvent himself.
Jobs's life is a relentless pursuit of dreams and innovation, but also a deep reflection on self-awareness and growth.
When you wake up from a dream, where does your heart go?
"Life is like a dream, and one is still a moon." Su Shi's words express the transience and illusion of life.
However, in this illusion, we can still find our true selves.
That wakefulness and freedom that transcends dreams, time and space.
As Carl · Jung said,
The one who looks out is dreaming,
Those who look inward are awake.
We learn to let go of over-dependence and pursuit of the outside world.
When you turn your attention to your inner voice and needs,
You will find that
True happiness and contentment are hidden deep in our hearts.
In this journey of spiritual awakening through the past and the present,
We have witnessed the leisurely Zhuangzi, the Prajna of the Buddhist scriptures, the wisdom of Socrates, the indifference of Zhuge Liang, and the innovation of Jobs.
They used their lives to paint a magnificent picture of self-awareness and growth for us.
Now, when we stand at a new starting point,
May we all be the sober ones who look inward,
Be brave enough to face your heart,
Pursue your own truth and freedom that transcends dreams.
- Looking out, we are chasing illusory bubbles, longing for the recognition of others;
- Looking inward, we embrace our true selves and pursue inner peace.
- Looking outward, we are easy to get lost in the whirlpool of fame and fortune, forgetting our original intentions and dreams;
- Looking inward, we can find our way through the chaos and stick to our inner beliefs and values.
- Looking out, the world is noisy, and people's hearts are impetuous;
- Looking inward, the world becomes tranquil and profound, and the mind is inhabited and settled.
Let us take this awakening and wisdom,
Move on on the journey of life.
No matter how turbulent and changing the outside world is,
As long as we keep a clear and firm heart,
You can dance in the wind and rain and stand proudly in the midst of difficulties.
Because, in the end, what determines the height of our life,
Not recognition and achievement from the outside world,
It's the depth and breadth of our hearts!