Learn Daolism with @cn-reader (一起学道德经) #12

[原文]

五色令人目盲；五音令人耳聋；五味令人口爽；驰骋畋猎，令人心发狂；难得之货，令人行妨；是以圣人为腹不为目，故去彼取此。

【English】

Colorful colors make people dazzled; noisy tones make people feel unconscious; beautiful foods make people obsessed with taste; indulging in hunting makes people feel unrestrained and crazy; rare items make people misbehave. Therefore, wise people are satisfied with their stomachs being filled without chasing after sensual pleasures, they have abandoned the temptation of material desires to maintain a contentious lifestyle.

【Comment】

In this episode, Lao Zi tried to persuade us not to be obsessed with materials but pay more attention to spirit. Especially in the modern society , each day, we come across so many temptations. If we indulge ourselves in those beautiful food, euphoric sound, attractive video, crazy activities, we would be obsessed with all those exteriors, but ignore the most important thing of all----our spirits.

That's why there are still some people who seclude themselves from the noisy society and hide into some mountains such as Zhong Nan Mountain to meditate and learn Buddha or Daolism. They live a peaceful life, live with vegetables and self made food. They look scarce in terms of materials, but they are abundant in the spirits.

Author: Lao Zi

Translator: @chenlocus