The True Man

by Chuang Tzu

     What do I mean by 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.  Being like this, he could commit an error and not regret it, could meet with success and not make a show.  Being like this, he could climb the 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 is heels  the mass of men breathe with their throats.  Crushed and bound down, they gasp out their words as though they were retching.  Deep in their passions and desires, they are shallow in the workings of Heaven.

      The Ture Man of ancient times knew nothing of loving life, knew nothing of hating death.  He emerged without delight; he went back in without a fuss.  He came briskly, he went briskly and that was all.  He didn't forget where he began; he didn't try to find out where he would end.  He received something and took pleasure in it; he forgot about it and handed it back again.  This is what I call not using the mind to repel The Way, not using man to help out Heaven.  This is what I call the True Man.