從語言的魔鏡窺探老子守柔意蘊

Exploring the Significance of Lao Zi's Retaining the Suppleness from the Magic Mirror of Language

老子學說所展現的生命圖像，藉由語言的魔鏡幻化出光彩的智慧身影。其詭言闡述出守柔學說，可分別從守靜致虛、處下不爭、自然無為論述。老子守靜致虛的修養工夫可由心知破除、虛己容物、以虛靜觀三方面得到更為細緻的說明；而處下不爭可藉由上善若水、致柔專氣、知足常足三途徑來達成；自然無為則藉由自然、無為、自然無為三組概念形成。

Lao Zi’s doctrine represents life image metamorphosed into colorful presence of wisdom through the magic mirror of language. In particular, in the discourse “Quei Yen” (paradoxical statements), the theory of retaining suppleness emerges. This theory is trifocal: “retaining quietude to reach the void,” “being humble and avoiding contention” and “following the rules of nature and letting things take their own course.” In effect, the method of accomplishing these goals in this theory is further depicted. The cultivation required for “retaining quietude to reach the void” can be understood thoroughly from the following principles : knowing by heart to expunge myth, humbling oneself to accommodate others and being perceptive prior examining in tranquility. The achievement of “being humble and avoiding contention” lies in three approaches : the top virtue resulting from behaving like water, focusing on suppleness and reinforcing “chi,” and learning to be content and being always content. And the conceptualization of “following the rules of nature and letting things take their own course” is realized by three sets of ideas: nature, inaction and letting go naturally.