Secrets to Nourishing the Mind Across Time: Zhuangzi's Open-mindedness, Peng Zu's Mindset and Music, and the Cultivation of Righteous Qi

Zhuangzi, whose given name was Zhou, was a native of the State of Song during the Warring States period. During his lifetime, he only served as an official in Qiyuan, but soon retired to a humble dwelling, living a carefree and secluded life as a hermit. Zhuangzi was optimistic and skilled in preserving health; in the pre-Qin era, when "it was rare for a person to live to seventy," he remarkably lived to the age of 83. So, how did Zhuangzi maintain his health? First, he followed nature. Zhuangzi believed that the key to health was to follow the laws of nature. Throughout his life, Zhuangzi pursued freedom, avoiding the pursuit of fame and fortune, and instead living in seclusion in the mountains with his disciples, enjoying the beauty of nature. Second, he reduced selfishness and desires. Selfishness is the root of all evil and the cause of all diseases; reducing selfishness means not being burdened by material possessions. A person unburdened by fame and fortune will achieve health and maintain youthfulness. Third, he maintained emotional stability. Zhuangzi valued one's thoughts and emotions, believing that emotional stability and the absence of fear naturally reduce the likelihood of illness. Zhuangzi used the example of a drunkard who survived a fall from a carriage to illustrate the necessity of maintaining emotional stability. Fourthly, he viewed life with a materialist attitude. Zhuangzi was able to view the issue of life and death with a very detached attitude. He believed that birth and death are both natural events; birth is timely, and death is inevitable; to rejoice in birth and grieve over death is contrary to common sense. Zhuangzi's view on life was materialistic, and his understanding of this issue far surpassed that of others of his time.

Peng Zu is a legendary expert in health preservation. Despite his advanced age, he showed no signs of aging. What were Peng Zu's secrets to longevity? 1. Emphasis on nourishing the spirit. He believed that "a strong spirit leads to longevity, while a strong vital energy is easily destroyed." He considered preserving the spirit fundamental to health preservation, repeatedly warning people against harming, scattering, worrying, or ruining their spirit, pointing out that excessive worry, anger, or joy and anger can all shorten lifespan. 2. Cultivating good living habits. Peng Zu adhered to the principle of following nature in health preservation, avoiding harming the body, adapting to the four seasons, emphasizing the balance between work and rest, avoiding excessive mental exertion, dressing appropriately rather than fashionably, and rationally regulating diet-these are the "essentials of living." 3. Enjoying a simple life. Peng Zu believed that those skilled in health preservation rely on cultivating their character and enjoying a simple life. He never pursued fame or worldly affairs, devoting his days to health preservation and self-cultivation. When the Shang king invited him to be a high-ranking official, he could not refuse, but often used illness as an excuse to avoid attending court. 4. Dietary health preservation. Peng Zu was an expert in the art of nourishing and regulating the body, and he placed dietary therapy as the top priority for health preservation in middle-aged and elderly people. As people age, their vital energy is depleted, and their five internal organs weaken, relying entirely on diet to replenish their qi and blood. If they consume excessive amounts of raw or cold foods, or eat too much or too little, they are prone to illness. 5. Pay attention to physical exercise. Peng Zu was also skilled in guiding and circulating qi, rising early each morning to sit upright, rub his eyes, massage, and focus his mind on the dantian (lower abdomen).

Confucius loved music and was an expert in music theory. Historical records state that "Confucius sang every day," indicating that he recited poems and sang songs every day. Modern medicine has also proven that when people are in a beautiful and pleasant musical environment, they can secrete an active substance that is beneficial to their health, regulating blood flow and nerve conduction. The intangible power of music far exceeds personal imagination, so listening to and appreciating music is a very common way for modern people to adjust their lives. However, music therapy also requires "differentiation of symptoms and treatment," and different music should be selected for different symptoms: (1) Irritability: It is advisable to listen to slow-paced music that makes people think. This can adjust one's mood and overcome irritability, such as the slow movement in some classical symphonies. (2) Pessimism and negativity: It is advisable to listen to magnificent, rugged, and inspiring music. These pieces of music are helpful for patients who lack self-confidence. The music is full of firm and invincible power, which can help patients build confidence. (3) Memory decline: Listen to familiar music often. Familiar music is often closely intertwined with unforgettable moments in the past. Hearing this music can evoke the patient's memories of the past.

Mencius's most important aspect of health preservation was the cultivation of "qi" (vital energy). He valued the interplay between mental and physical well-being and the rise and fall of vital energy, acknowledging that qi is the foundation of life. The essence of qi cultivation lies in the guidance of mental and physical will; only those with a stable demeanor, strong will, upright conduct, and an open and selfless heart can maintain abundant qi. Conversely, those lacking these qualities will suffer losses and depletion of their qi. Mencius likened himself to a "great man," and his ability to be "unmoved by wealth and honor, unswayed by poverty and hardship, and unyielding to force" is considered the best way to cultivate this righteous qi. Mencius consistently adhered to the principle of "righteousness" in all his actions, practicing it diligently over time until he reached a high level of proficiency. Secondly, he emphasized cultivating a pure and desireless mind. He minimized his desires, maintaining a peaceful state of mind regarding material and sexual desires. Mencius stated, "Nothing is better for nourishing the mind than reducing desires... It is precious to have few desires; ten days of taking medicine is not as good as one night of sleeping alone; moderate eating cures illness, and reducing desires prolongs life." Furthermore, he led a simple life and enjoyed exercise. His daily meals typically consisted of only a small bamboo basket of rice and a small pot of soup. He believed that as long as one was well-fed, that was enough. Mencius also enjoyed hunting, which became a required course in his teaching. Finally, he was optimistic and open-minded, adept at cultivating his spirit. Although Mencius traveled extensively to persuade the feudal lords, leaving him physically and mentally exhausted, he remained relaxed, doing his best without worrying about success or failure. His saying, "When poor, cultivate your own virtue; when successful, benefit all under heaven," reflects his accepting and contented attitude towards life. With his pure heart, few desires, optimism, and ability to cultivate a noble spirit, Mencius ultimately lived to the age of 84, 11 years longer than Confucius, making him a model of ancient health preservation.