Zhuangzi
Zhuangzi
sleep awakening calm
We are born from a quiet sleep, and we die to a calm awakening
dream may awakening
During our dreams we do not know we are dreaming. We may even dream of interpreting a dream. Only on waking do we know it was a dream. Only after the great awakening will we realize that this is the great dream.
dream believe awakening
He who dreams ... does not know he is dreaming... . Only when he awakens does he know he has dreamt. But there is also the great awakening (ta-chiao), and then we see that [everything] here is nothing but a great dream. Of course, the fools believe that they are already awake-what foolishness! Confucius and you, both of you, are dreams; and I, who tell you this, am also a dream.
chinese-philosopher dreamed dreamt flitting man
I dreamed I was a butterfly, flitting around in the sky; then I awoke. Now I wonder: Am I a man who dreamt of being a butterfly, or am I a butterfly dreaming that I am a man?
chinese-philosopher knowledge shut
Cherish that which is within you, and shut off that which is without; for much knowledge is a curse.
man
Where can I find a man who has forgotten words so I can have a word with him?
absence happiness
Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.
dream memories real
My most interesting memory is of my first real dream. I was a caterpillar, wriggling around in the earth, just the way a caterpillar would. Following my caterpillar whims, completely unaware of anyone.
reality deception fool
Only fools imagine they are already awake. How clearly they understand everything! How easily they distinguish this deception from that reality!
dream wake-up might
When you're dreaming, you don't know it's a dream. You might even interpret a dream in your dream - and then wake up and realize it was all a dream. Perhaps a great awakening will reveal this to be a dream as well.
life men breathe
The true man breathes with his heels.
men useful-things futility
All men know the utility of useful things; but they do not know the utility of futility.
confused skills differences
In an archery contest, when the stakes are earthenware tiles a contestant shoots with skill. When the stakes are belt buckles he becomes hesitant, and if the stakes are pure gold he becomes nervous and confused. There is no difference as to his skil.
men fool self-knowledge
A man who knows he is a fool is not a great fool.