The 6th session of the essence is to reflect the original simplicity, where sitting in forgetfulness leads to serene tranquility

On the third day, I not only felt tired, but also experienced soreness in my waist and legs. The gentleman of the wind advised me that I need not remain seated rigidly all the time, and that I could relax occasionally and take it step by step. He suggested that I try to relax on my own, but overall, he did not take any responsibility. Strangely enough, I gradually discovered that while the upright sitting posture seemed quite exhausting, the longer I maintained it, the more relaxed I felt. I am not very accustomed to sitting cross-legged, but placing a folded blanket as a cushion beneath me made it much more comfortable. Strangely enough, I gradually discovered that while the upright sitting posture seemed quite exhausting, the longer I maintained it, the more relaxed I felt. I am not very accustomed to sitting cross-legged, but placing a folded blanket as a cushion beneath me made it much more comfortable.

Lu Xun once said, "Among the writings of the pre-Qin philosophers, Zhuangzi is the best." The gentleman of the wind paid no attention to my bewildered expression and continued speaking. What does this have to do with Lu Xun? The more I listened, the more confused I became, and the more spirited the gentleman of the wind became: "Zhuangzi is profound and difficult to understand. Fortunately, the book I bought is a bilingual edition; if you don't understand, you can refer to the vernacular translation at the back. But I must tell you, many translations are incorrect, and the true meaning requires your own comprehension. I don't expect you to fully grasp this book; just take a look at the key phrases. I've already folded the underlined sections..."

The carter's injury is not serious, but this load of coal is troublesome. Usually, the carter would transport the coal to the back kitchen one trip at a time, and the proprietress would pay an extra two dollars. However, that is not possible today. While the carter is washing his hands, the proprietress frowns at the load of coal, realizing that she will have to move it herself. I observe all of this, perhaps out of a sense of compassion, as I cannot imagine the proprietress's delicate white hands being associated with this load of black honeycomb coal. Naturally, I stand up and say, "Proprietress, let me help you move this load of coal." I observe all of this, perhaps out of a sense of compassion, as I cannot imagine the proprietress's delicate white hands being associated with this load of black honeycomb coal. Naturally, I stand up and say, "Proprietress, let me help you move this load of coal."

Approaching the old gentleman who practices Tai Chi was not difficult. I first got to know the elementary school teacher surnamed Cui, who was a classmate of Feng Junzi. Every morning, I mingled among a group of elderly people to learn Tai Chi. The elderly were very curious about me, the new "child," and were very enthusiastic, each teaching me their moves. I quickly managed to keep up with the rhythm. The old gentleman, surnamed Gao, is a retired official. Since I already knew that Mr. Gao was exceptional, I made it a point to stand beside him while practicing. Gradually, I discovered a subtlety: whenever I stood behind Mr. Gao and followed his movements, I felt very relaxed and comfortable. Each move seemed to be driven by an involuntary force, which was much better than the feeling of doing calisthenics at school. As for the innate vital energy that Feng Junzi mentioned, I had not yet mustered the courage to ask about it.

It has become a pleasure for me to interact with three "masters," yet I still have no understanding of what Zhuangzi referred to as "serenity" and "sitting in forgetfulness." I am now able to grasp what it means to be "extremely empty and still," but I am unclear about what the next level of attainment should be. During this period, the Wind Gentleman has not taught me anything, but Shang Yunfei always seems a bit secretive. One night, while returning to the dormitory after self-study, Yunfei stopped me on the way and asked, "Are you learning the Dao from the Wind Gentleman? What has he taught you?"

Old Gao often hears that I came here to practice Tai Chi because of my frail health, and he took the initiative to teach me a set of boxing techniques that, according to books and diagrams, can strengthen the body. I do not know the name of this set of boxing techniques; it was taught to him by a comrade before the liberation. The movements are not too complicated, consisting of five sets, and it takes about ten minutes to practice one set. Old Gao told me that practicing one set each time is sufficient. When Old Gao was teaching me this set of boxing, I realized that practicing boxing also requires adjusting the mind and cultivating energy; merely having the movements is far from enough. The movements are not too complicated, consisting of five sets, and it takes about ten minutes to practice one set. Old Gao told me that practicing one set each time is sufficient. When Old Gao was teaching me this set of boxing, I realized that practicing boxing also requires adjusting the mind and cultivating energy; merely having the movements is far from enough. This set of boxing techniques surprisingly also has mental training, as well as the skill of entering stillness amidst movement. The method of adjusting the mind to enter stillness is surprisingly similar to what the gentleman of the wind described, with the difference being that, along with the movements, one must guide the flow of energy through different parts of the body. However, I cannot grasp what is meant by the flow of energy; Old Gao said there is no need to force it, as the skill will naturally develop over time. This set of boxing techniques surprisingly also has mental training, as well as the skill of entering stillness amidst movement. The method of adjusting the mind to enter stillness is surprisingly similar to what the gentleman of the wind described, with the difference being that, along with the movements, one must guide the flow of energy through different parts of the body. However, I cannot grasp what is meant by the flow of energy; Old Gao said there is no need to force it, as the skill will naturally develop over time. He told me that even the routes of energy flow do not need to be memorized; once proficient, the energy will naturally activate.

Yun Fei did not believe it, and I, being a person without any ulterior motives, never expected that someone like Shang Yun Fei, a "master," would inquire about any secrets from me. Therefore, I told him everything that Feng Junzi had taught me in full detail. After hearing this, Yun Fei furrowed his brows and said: "This is simply absurd. How can one be so irresponsible? A duck will naturally swim when placed in water, but a person cannot. He has treated you like a duck. This won't do; I must intervene. Shiye, I will teach you some basic meditation techniques. Are you willing to learn?"

"Aunt Ghost?" I had to interrupt Feng Junzi's words: "Wait, is this from 'Zhuangzi'? Why are there two sections in the underlined part that are dialogues between Confucius and Yan Hui? Is this considered a mnemonic? Why don't you just give me a copy of 'Analects' instead?"

While I was flipping through the book, Feng Junzi was talking beside me: "Have you heard of the Three Classics of Daoism? 'Laozi' is called 'Dao De Jing', 'Zhuangzi' is called 'Nan Hua Jing', and 'Liezi' is called 'Qing Xu Jing'. For adjusting the mind, Zhuangzi is more applicable. In the entry to quiet sitting practice, many emphasize starting with adjusting the body, then adjusting the breath, and finally adjusting the mind. We are not monastic disciples, so we do not adhere to any rituals; we directly start with adjusting the mind, which is the true path... In the entry to quiet sitting practice, many emphasize starting with adjusting the body, then adjusting the breath, and finally adjusting the mind. We are not monastic disciples, so we do not adhere to any rituals; we directly start with adjusting the mind, which is the true path..."

It was dusk on that day, and the sky had not yet darkened. I had just finished a bowl of wontons along with two pancakes and was preparing to pay the bill and leave. A cart arrived outside, bringing a load of honeycomb coal. At that time, liquefied gas was not yet widespread in Wucheng, and kitchens like this small noodle shop still used honeycomb coal for cooking. The coal was delivered not by a motor vehicle, but by a local type of human-powered cart. The cart driver was not having a good day; he slipped on the road and scraped his hand, causing it to bleed. When the shop owner noticed this while paying, she quickly fetched some cloth and clean water from the back to help the driver clean and bandage his wound

While I find myself lost in thought every night, I have not been idle during the day, seeking ways to approach those three "masters." Some tasks seem daunting before they are undertaken, but once I commit myself to them, they often come to fruition effortlessly.

The fortune teller at the bridge is surnamed Zhang, and I later referred to him as Mr. Zhang. Mr. Zhang is quite interesting; every noon, I pretended to be a bystander to watch him tell fortunes, and he paid me no mind, focusing on his own work. As I became a familiar face, he occasionally nodded at me as a greeting, as if to say: "Oh, you are here again?"

I met the boss lady through www.hetushu.com, and later our interactions increased. The boss lady's surname is Han, and I shamelessly call her Sister Han. Sister Han is from another place and has been running a noodle shop here for three years. I have always wanted to ask her how old she is, but I have never had the courage to do so, as I have heard that in polite society, it is considered impolite to inquire about a woman's age. Unconsciously, as we interacted more, we became familiar with each other, and the opportunities for engagement increased, allowing us to do more things together. Besides moving coal briquettes, I often help Sister Han buy flour (which is quite heavy, and the shop uses a lot of it, requiring a purchase every two days; when I carry it, I often end up with a layer of white powder on my clothes, which is not suitable work for Sister Han), clean tables, boil water, and perform other heavy tasks. Occasionally, when I have time, I also help her knead the dough (the large dough in the noodle shop is quite a labor-intensive task)

The Wind Gentleman glared at me, looking at me as if I were a monster: "What do you need the Analects for? What is wrong with Confucius's words? From 'Xinzai' to 'Yingning', and then to 'Zuo Wang', there is nothing wrong! You have already formed a biased view before even entering the door; who did you learn that from? Every school of thought has its own formulas; I am too lazy to create those catchy phrases. Zhuangzi's writings are so good, it would be a pity not to borrow from them! In fact, formulas are merely a form of verification; having only formulas is not enough; one must also have the heart method. The heart method you need to learn now is quite simple; listen carefully...

Sister Han really appreciates my help with these tasks. One day, when I moved the flour to the back kitchen, some white powder got stuck in my hair. While brushing it off, she said, "This noodle shop really needs someone like you to lend a hand. Sometimes I get overwhelmed on my own. Since you study at the school nearby, why not come work here? It's a small business, so the pay isn't much, but you can eat here for free, no need to go to the school cafeteria. Otherwise, I feel bad that you keep helping me!"

It is easy to say, but once it comes to doing it, it becomes quite difficult. The first challenge is not a scattered mind, but rather that I simply cannot persist for two hours. Fortunately, I have always been quite determined; I managed to force myself to sit for two hours on the first day, but on the second day during class, I kept yawning. Why? Because I didn't sleep well! When Feng Junzi saw this, he merely remarked that feeling sleepy is a sign of unnatural relaxation, and that if one truly relaxes and enters a state of calm, one will not feel drowsy.

The third section is also found in the "Great Master" chapter. Yan Hui said: 'I have improved.' Confucius asked: 'What do you mean?' He replied: 'I have forgotten benevolence and righteousness.' Confucius said: 'That is acceptable, but still not enough.' On another day, he saw him again and said: 'I have improved.' Confucius asked: 'What do you mean?' He replied: 'I have forgotten propriety and music.' Confucius said: 'That is acceptable, but still not enough.' On another day, he saw him again and said: 'I have improved.' Confucius asked: 'What do you mean?' He replied: 'I have forgotten sitting and forgetting.' Confucius then asked: 'What do you mean by sitting and forgetting?' Yan Hui replied: 'To let go of the body, to discard intelligence, to leave form and knowledge, and to be in harmony with the great unity; this is called sitting and forgetting.'

The Wind Gentleman spoke at length, yet I still believe it is merely daydreaming. Let it be daydreaming; thus, I embarked on my nightly journey of "daydreaming". The Wind Gentleman told me that the posture is casual, but if I lie down, it is difficult not to fall asleep, and standing for two hours would likely be exhausting, so I can only sit. In the middle of the night, when my classmates are all asleep, I cannot just sit on the stool, as that would startle my roommate who gets up at night. Therefore, my only choice is to sit cross-legged on the bed. I am not quite sure how to sit cross-legged, so I can only recall the postures of those "heroes" practicing martial arts in films, pretending to sit cross-legged on the bed.

After hearing this, I couldn't help but ask, "Isn't this just daydreaming?"

After I learned the martial arts, I went back to demonstrate it from start to finish for Feng Junzi. While watching, Feng Junzi shook his head and said it didn't resemble any proper martial art. The next day, he came to find me, excitedly saying he had looked it up in a book and that what I was practicing was the Five Animal Play. The Five Animal Play is said to have been created by Hua Tuo, who imitated the movements of five different animals. However, Feng Junzi mentioned that my version of the Five Animal Play is quite different from the Hua Tuo's Five Animal Play that is currently known. He said that practicing in this manner can indeed strengthen the body, but if I wish to cultivate innate vital energy, it might still be quite early. I thought to myself that it indeed is quite early; Old Master Gao started practicing in his thirties, and he is now seventy-eight this year! The Five Animal Play is said to have been created by Hua Tuo, who imitated the movements of five different animals. However, Feng Junzi mentioned that my version of the Five Animal Play is quite different from the Hua Tuo's Five Animal Play that is currently known. He said that practicing in this manner can indeed strengthen the body, but if I wish to cultivate innate vital energy, it might still be quite early. I thought to myself that it indeed is quite early; Old Master Gao started practicing in his thirties, and he is now seventy-eight this year

The first paragraph is from the section "In the World of Humanity." Yan Hui said: "I have nothing to offer, may I ask for guidance?" Confucius replied: "In fasting, I will speak to you. If one has the intention and acts upon it, is it not easy? The one who changes is not suitable for the heavens." Yan Hui said: "My family is poor, and I have not consumed alcohol or meat for several months. In this case, can I fast?" Confucius said: "This is a fasting for sacrifices, not a fasting of the heart." Yan Hui replied: "I dare to ask about the fasting of the heart." Confucius said: "If one is single-minded, do not listen with the ears but with the heart, do not listen with the heart but with the spirit! Listening that stops at the ears, the heart stops at the symbols. The spirit is that which is empty and awaits things. In this way, can I fast?" Confucius said: "This is a fasting for sacrifices, not a fasting of the heart." Yan Hui replied: "I dare to ask about the fasting of the heart." Confucius said: "If one is single-minded, do not listen with the ears but with the heart, do not listen with the heart but with the spirit! Listening that stops at the ears, the heart stops at the symbols. The spirit is that which is empty and awaits things. Only the Way gathers the empty. The empty is the fasting of the heart.

As for the owner of the noodle shop, the circumstances under which I got to know her were quite dramatic. I had been eating wontons in the shop for a week, yet I had spoken to her less than three sentences apart from ordering and settling the bill. However, a week later, an unexpected opportunity presented itself.

I asked again: "How long do I need to persist like this?"

After a few days, I found that the area around Phoenix Bridge was quite messy, with people throwing away garbage such as melon peels and fruit pits every day. However, this gentleman is quite particular about cleanliness. When I visited, I noticed that the surroundings had already been meticulously cleaned, which must have been done by him. Therefore, every morning after practicing Tai Chi, before Mr. Zhang set up his stall, I took the initiative to do one more thing. I brought a broom and a spray bottle from the classroom and carefully cleaned the area around Mr. Zhang's stall, then sprinkled a layer of water (as the dust by the roadside was quite heavy). Thus, every morning after practicing Tai Chi, before Mr. Zhang set up his stall, I took the initiative to do one more thing. I brought a broom and a spray bottle from the classroom and carefully cleaned the area around Mr. Zhang's stall, then sprinkled a layer of water (as the dust by the roadside was quite heavy)

The "mind method" spoken of by the Wind Gentleman is indeed quite simple. He instructed me to spend two hours each day before sleeping in a state where I neither fall asleep nor engage in thought. The Wind Gentleman told me that once a person calms their mind, various distracting thoughts will inevitably arise, and it is impossible to suppress them forcefully. Various thoughts may come, but one should not dwell on them. For instance, one might suddenly think of class, but should not contemplate what the teacher is saying or how to solve the problems. Alternatively, one might think of a person, but should not consider what that person is doing or the nature of the relationship with that person. Various distracting thoughts may arise, but one should not dwell on them. One can have all sorts of distractions, but the mind should not follow these thoughts aimlessly. In summary, it is like a cup of muddy water placed in a quiet room, allowing the water to settle naturally.

... ...

The second paragraph is in the "Great Master" section. "To convey the way of the sage to the talents of the sage is indeed easy; yet I still guard and convey it. After three days, one can transcend the world; having transcended the world, I again guard it, and after seven days, one can transcend things; having transcended things, I again guard it, and after nine days, one can transcend life; having transcended life, one can then achieve morning clarity. After achieving morning clarity, one can then see the unique. After seeing the unique, one can then transcend the past and present. After transcending the past and present, one can then enter into the realm of neither life nor death. Those who kill life do not die; those who give life do not live. As for things, there is nothing that does not possess, nothing that does not welcome; nothing that does not destroy, nothing that does not complete. Its name is Sakura Peace. Sakura Peace refers to that which becomes after blooming."

Daydreaming? The Wind Gentleman almost exclaimed, "This is not the same as daydreaming; you cannot dream with your eyes open. You must remain alert and not be in a daze! Your eyes can see yet not see, your ears can hear yet not hear. First, you must be able to 'see' and 'hear', and then you can experience 'not seeing' and 'not hearing'. The subtlety of it can only be discovered by yourself; others cannot tell you. As for your posture, it is entirely up to you, and your breathing is also at your discretion... The subtlety of it can only be discovered by yourself; others cannot tell you. As for your posture, it is entirely up to you, and your breathing is also at your discretion...

I opened this book "Zhuangzi." The book has been well-worn by Feng Junzi, with many places annotated in a crooked manner, and some unfamiliar characters marked with pinyin, clearly in Feng Junzi's handwriting. What is even more interesting is that in certain parts of the original text, there are crosses drawn, and different characters written below, suggesting that Feng Junzi believed there were printing errors in the book and took the liberty to correct them. The underlined sections have already been folded, totaling three segments: what is even more interesting is that in certain parts of the original text, there are crosses drawn, and different characters written below, suggesting that Feng Junzi believed there were printing errors in the book and took the liberty to correct them. The underlined sections have already been folded, totaling three segments

When I went over at noon, Mr. Zhang said nothing but handed me a small stool, inviting me to sit beside him. Thus, we became familiar with each other, chatting casually whenever no one else was around. Mr. Zhang did not ask me why I came to see him for fortune-telling every day; instead, he engaged me in conversations about various topics. His knowledge was extensive, and in comparison, the little I knew was hardly a fraction of what he possessed. From his eloquent speech, it was evident that he was a person of considerable learning and refinement. I could not understand why someone like him would make a living by setting up a stall for fortune-telling every day. I asked him about it, but he always smiled and did not answer.

"There is no need to be polite, I come from the mountains, this little work is nothing." As I spoke, I had already rolled up my sleeves and went to the cart to carry the coal, lifting eight pieces of honeycomb coal at once, feeling it was slightly heavy. The landlady saw that I had started working and did not say anything further, but hurried to open the kitchen door. By the time I finished transporting this load of coal, it had already been more than half an hour. Although I was not very tired, I was sweating profusely. The landlady thanked me repeatedly and brought me water and a towel, which was probably her own, and it had a pleasant scent. By the time I finished transporting this load of coal, it had already been more than half an hour. Although I was not very tired, I was sweating profusely. The landlady thanked me repeatedly and brought me water and a towel, which was probably her own, and it had a pleasant scent.

... ...

The Wind Gentleman did not tell me that these matters should not be disclosed to others. Moreover, from my perspective, apart from giving me a copy of "Zhuangzi," he did not teach me anything. Therefore, I replied: "I truly wish to learn from him, but he has taught me nothing."

A few days passed like this, and that morning, just after I finished sweeping the floor and was watering, Mr. Zhang came over with his equipment. He usually doesn't come this early. When he saw me watering, Mr. Zhang smiled and said, "I was wondering who was so kind every day; it turns out to be you. Thank you."

A week has passed, and I have not felt any significant changes. However, there are two subtle changes: first, my waist and legs no longer ache; second, I do not feel drowsy during the day. No one has explained to me why this is the case. I think the absence of pain in my waist and legs may be due to getting used to it, a result of exercise. As for feeling more alert during the day, that is likely the effect of meditation. During meditation, I gradually no longer feel drowsy; instead, I become very clear-headed and my senses sharpen. I can hear extremely faint sounds, even the distant noise of cars on the road outside the campus. When I close my eyes, I can surprisingly see everything in the dormitory in a hazy manner. Of course, this may not be any supernatural ability, as I have forgotten whether my eyes are open or closed. The gentleman of the wind says that I am inherently simple and have not been polluted (I am not a vegetable!), so "heart fasting" is not a difficult task for me. Of course, this may not be any supernatural ability, as I have forgotten whether my eyes are open or closed. The gentleman of the wind says that I am inherently simple and have not been polluted (I am not a vegetable!), so "heart fasting" is not a difficult task for me.

( Preface: Which event has a greater probability of occurring, the intentional planting of flowers or the unintentional insertion of willows? In fact, in the world, only the intentional planting of flowers can lead to the unintentional insertion of willows. The following sections may read somewhat dry and uninteresting, as I have described in detail the protagonist's explorations before entering the path of cultivation. From a purely narrative perspective, this part could be summarized briefly. However, from the perspective of "Dan Shu," I still wish to provide a more detailed introduction, making it closer to the realm of reality. For those who enjoy the plot, you may skip this part. )

Feng Junzi: "No one knows, but when the time comes, you will understand. However, I do not have the luxury to wait too long. Since Master Zhuang has made it very clear in his writings, I will give you nineteen days."

As the saying goes, there is nothing difficult in the world for those who are determined, or one might say that it is not the thief's stealing that is to be feared, but rather the thief's intentions. Some matters can be resolved as long as one puts in the effort. After half a month, I have gotten along well with the three "masters" mentioned by Feng Junzi. I have been helping out at Sister Han's noodle shop. I have developed a close friendship with Mr. Zhang, sharing everything without reservation, and I often listen to him talk about the art of fortune-telling and face reading. As for Mr. Gao, he has taken the initiative to teach me a new set of martial arts.

Unintentionally, I stumbled upon such a fortunate opportunity! I politely insisted for quite some time, stating that helping out was the least I could do, and firmly declined Sister Han's payment. I still have classes to attend and cannot always assist her here. Eventually, it was settled in a rather muddled way; whenever I have free time, I help out at the noodle shop, and I can eat without paying. However, I do not eat all three meals there; I only often go for dinner. In fact, I could eat all my meals at Sister Han's noodle shop, and she wouldn't mind, but I feel embarrassed about it. I have to practice Tai Chi in the morning and go for fortune-telling at noon, so I can only come to help in the evenings and a bit on weekends, as I cannot take too much advantage of her.

"How is this possible? I can see through it all. Do you think I don't know that you meditate every night? Everyone in your dormitory has told me about it" Yun Fei's tone was clearly one of disbelief

"Oh dear, how could I possibly accept this, troubling you, a student?" The proprietress did not expect me to help and quickly declined.