How to read the Xuan Jian of Cleansing
Purifying the mystic mirror meant that by clearing the distracting thoughts and prejudices in one's heart, one would observe and think with an objective attitude, making one's heart as clean as a mirror without flaws. This was a method of self-cultivation proposed in the Tao Te Ching. It required people to get rid of all the interference of material and utility concepts before they comprehended Tao. Only by maintaining a quiet mind could they observe the mysteries of Tao.
What does Lao Tzu mean by cleansing the Xuan Jian?
Laozi's title of cleansing Xuan Jian referred to clearing the distracting thoughts and prejudices in the mind, making it pure and clear, so as to observe and understand the truth of morality. The concept of cleansing the mystic mirror was put forward by Lao Tzu in the tenth chapter of the Tao Te Ching. By washing away the dust on the soul, one could enter a non-utility aesthetic realm. Only in this way could one appreciate the true beauty. Purging the Mystic Mirror required people to maintain a quiet and empty heart, eliminate all distracting thoughts, and let the soul be empty so that they could observe the world with a clearer gaze. This was similar to the concept of Buddhism.
Xuan Lan or Xuan Jian
Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian had similar meanings. Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian both referred to the light in one's heart, a state of mind where one could observe deeply. Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian could be understood as moral observation. By eliminating distracting thoughts, one's mind would be empty, and one would observe the world with a clearer gaze. Therefore, Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian could be regarded as synonymous words, used to describe a person's inner state.
Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian
Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian referred to the concepts in the tenth chapter of the Tao Te Ching. The following explanation: According to the contents of the tenth chapter of the Tao Te Ching, Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian both referred to the clarity and insight of the heart. Xuan Lan referred to the clarity in the depths of one's soul, which allowed one to see the essence of things. The mystic mirror referred to the light of the soul, which could see through things. These two concepts emphasized the purity and clarity of the mind, as well as the true understanding of things. Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian could be compared to mirrors. Xuan Lan compared the heart to a profound mirror. If one could clean this mirror, one would be able to see everything. Mystic Mirror was a very bright bronze mirror that could reflect the true appearance of things. In general, Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian both emphasized the purity and insight of the soul, as well as the understanding of the true nature of things. These concepts were used in Tao Te Ching to guide cultivation and cognitive thinking.
Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian
Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian were two related concepts. They were both related to the insight and observation of the mind. Xuan Lan referred to having a brilliant sense of discernment and profound observation, able to see the inner and outer of things. The Mystic Mirror referred to a mirror deep in the soul that could see everything clearly, but it would not leave any traces. Cleansing Xuan Lan meant to remove the impurities in the mind, making the mind as clear as a mirror to obtain wisdom and insight. Therefore, Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian were both related to the insight and observation of the mind, but the specific meaning might be different.
Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian
Xuan Lan and Xuan Jian were two related concepts. They were both related to the insight and observation of the mind. Xuan Lan referred to having a brilliant sense of discernment and profound observation, able to see the inner and outer of things. The Mystic Mirror referred to a mirror deep in the soul that could see everything clearly, but it would not leave any traces.