The meaning of True Contentment in Taoism 什么是真知足

Ge Hong stated that those who study the Dao and cultivate immortality, through preserving contemplation and guarding the one, produce a tranquil and desireless spiritual state. For those with true contentment, the principles of longevity and the way of the universe are complete within the mind, not sought externally.

The meaning of True Contentment in Taoism

Contentment marks the transcendence of worldly desires by Daoist practitioners. They do not envy the honor of courtly silks and brocades, for these do not benefit the Dao; nor do they despise the poverty of humble huts and tattered clothes, for these do not harm the Dao. Therefore "the contented can fly and hide, not serving; nurturing their light in mountains and forests. Folding the wings of phoenixes and dragons among the ranks of the minute, cultivating the vast proper Qi within humble huts. Tattered belts and cords, not trading them for the radiance of dragon insignia; walking with staff and laughter, not exchanging them for the continuous procession of hitched horses. Hiding night-shine in high cliffs, not suffering attack from other mountains; sinking spiritual armor in dark depths, to avoid the disaster of drilling and burning. Movement and rest know their limit; nowhere is insufficient." "Peacefully having abundant joy in the field of non-action, gladly equalizing noble and base in the land of non-contention."

This supreme spiritual realm brings a tranquil and abundant feeling: wealth and honor cannot entice it, weapons cannot seize it, multitude of troubles cannot disturb it, slander cannot worry it. The mind embodies mystery, attaining through non-action, becoming one with the Dao—this is the immortal.