Nanrong Chu said,
“If I lack knowledge, people will say that I am obtuse.
     If I have knowledge, it brings me distress.
If I am not benevolent, then I might harm others;
     If I am benevolent, I distress myself.
If I am not righteous, I might injure others;
     If I am righteous, I distress myself.

How can I resolve these difficulties? These three dilemmas torment me. I have come to seek your advice following the suggestion from Chu.

Laozi said,
“As I look into your eyes I understand you. What you now say confirms what I thought. You are confused and fearful as if you had lost your parents and are trying to find them in the sea with a pole…”

Nanrong Chu said,
“When a villager is ill, the neighbors come to enquire after him. If he is able to describe what is ailing him and treat his illness then his illness is not so grave. When I have learned about the great tao, I am like a man whose illness becomes worse after drinking the medicine.

I would like nothing more than a straightforward means of guarding life.”

Zhuangzi, trans. By Hyun Hochsmann and Yang Guorong, Book 23 Gengsang Chu

The Zhuangzi circulated in China about 221-226 BCE. Then China was ruled by the Qin. Historical records mention at the time that the book contained over a hundred thousand words. Many editions followed and by the twentieth century there were over one hundred editions of the book. As you easily imagine that have been many taoist philosopher/scholars.

The quotation which I chose for today describes an exchange between an individual Nanrong Chu who searches for a “secret” for a fulfilled life. He has taken the advice of another taoist philosopher who has referred him to Laozi. This is analogous to having your general practitioner medical professional, refer you to a therapist with specialized ability. 

How much has changed since 200 BCE and the twenty first century? The imagination is staggered to visualize the connection between a wooden-spoked wagon wheel and the electric autos manufactured and sold in China and elsewhere. Still, one thing remains little changed: that is human nature.

Chu complains to Laozi the specialist who may (or many not) help him. So far, the advice/medication he has taken has failed to satisfy, – in fact he only feels worse. Moreover…what he wishes to receive, is a simple remedy, something over the counter, a self-help kind of treatment for the anxiety of his condition…

What do you think Chu will hear from his new therapist?

Stay tuned. Part II for tomorrow.