Hold on to the ancient Way to master the present, and to learn the distant beginning.” This quote suggests that in order to fully understand and navigate the present, one must firmly grasp the teachings and wisdom of the past. It implies that the principles and values that have stood the test of time can provide a solid foundation to deal with the complexities of the modern world.
The “ancient Way” can be interpreted as the wisdom of our ancestors, traditional values, or time-tested principles. By holding on to it, we are not simply living in the past, but using the past as a guidance to navigate the present. This is because human nature and the fundamental truths of life remain constant, regardless of the changes in our external environment.
The “distant beginning” refers to the origin of things, or the fundamental truths that underlie our existence. By learning about the distant beginning, we can understand the core essence of things, which is often lost in the complexity of the modern world.
In today’s world, this quote can be applied in various ways. For instance, in the face of rapid technological advancement, we can hold on to the ancient Way by adhering to the basic principles of ethics and morality. While technology changes the way we live and work, the basic principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for others remain relevant.
In terms of personal development, this quote suggests that we should not ignore the wisdom of the past in our pursuit of personal growth. For instance, the ancient practice of mindfulness, which has its roots in Buddhism, is now recognized as an effective way to improve mental health and well-being. By holding on to this ancient Way, we can master the present challenges of stress and anxiety.
Furthermore, by learning about our personal history, or our “distant beginning”, we can gain insights into our strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. This can guide us in our personal development journey, helping us to become more self-aware and to make better decisions in life.
