Laozi

Yang Shuo (third from right) participates in the World Acupuncture Week free clinic event at the People's Hospital of Longli county, Guiyang, Guizhou province. [Photo provided to China Daily]Seasoned practitioner and NPC deputy seeks innovation in promoting and inheriting traditional medicine, Li Yingxue and Yang Jun report.In treating temporary facial paralysis, Professor Yang Shuo emphasizes a holistic approach. "Beyond addressing the condition itself, we must also consider treating the individual," he instructs interns at Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. "That entails focusing on their meridians and acupuncture points."While juggling his teaching responsibilities, Yang attends to over 60 patients a day at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Additionally, he dedicates time to caring for hospitalized individuals.Adding to his impressive workload, last year, Yang assumed the role of a National People's Congress deputy. Despite his busy schedule, he prioritizes grassroots engagement, conducting visits and research to amplify community voices at the national level.His mission: to bolster the advancement of traditional Chinese medicine and pass on its rich culture.The 49-year-old brings 25 years of expertise to his practice, and specializes in treating spinal conditions. Employing techniques like qi (energy flow) adjustment and modern structural acupuncture, he focuses on holistic…

The eighth chapter of Laozi says: The supreme goodness is like water. Water benefits all things without contention, residing where others loathe to be, thus it approaches the Dao. It dwells in lowly places, its heart is deep and profound, it associates with others benevolently, its words are trustworthy, its governance is orderly, its actions are capable, and its movements are timely. Precisely because it does not contend, there is no blame. The meaning of this passage is that the highest goodness is like water. Water is good at assisting all things without contending with them. It stays in places disliked by others, thus it comes close to the Dao. A person of supreme goodness lives like water, content with being humble, their heart is as deep as water, they associate with others like water's benevolence, their words are as sincere as water, their governance is as systematic as water, their work is as capable as water, and their actions are like water, waiting for the right moment. Because he is like water, contending with nothing, he has no worries. Regarding water, our understanding is not comprehensive or profound. The ancient sages Laozi and Confucius had deeper and more insightful…

Laozi's philosophy is deeply pragmatic and practical, despite the profound and mystical nature of his 5,000-character treatise. His teachings carry significant relevance to real-world situations, particularly in guiding individuals on how to conduct themselves. He offers many simple yet crucial strategies that reveal truths about preserving one's life and establishing oneself morally in a complex and tumultuous society. What appears contradictory or foolish at first glance unveils profound wisdom. Water, a common natural element, takes on a significant symbolic role in Laozi's text due to its unique properties. He frequently references water, dew, rivers, seas, and valleys as metaphors to illustrate his views on yielding, embracing humility, and maintaining tranquility. Water embodies all the virtues Laozi wishes to convey, leading him to state, "The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things without striving against them, dwelling where others disdain to be, thus it comes close to the Tao." Broadly speaking, water possesses four primary virtues: First, water performs the ultimate good for humanity: Laozi says, "The highest good is like water, which nourishes all things without contending." This translates to "the most virtuous person is like water, which sustains all living beings without competing with them." As a…