In the long journey of life, we are constantly exploring and seeking, longing to become a person who can not only make ourselves happy but also bring happiness to others. Just like that curious young man who asked the Taoist priest this profound life question. The Taoist priest's smiling answer is like a bright lamp, illuminating our way forward and leading us into four realms to experience the wonderful charm and the profound wisdom of Taoist thought.

 

First of all, "regard yourself as others", which is the realm of "no self". In Taoist thought, "no self" is a realm of transcending the self and putting aside selfish desires. When we regard ourselves as others, we can look at problems from the perspective of others and break free from the shackles of self-centeredness. We no longer only focus on our own interests and feelings but can put ourselves in others' shoes. This realm enables us to learn tolerance and understanding and reduces selfishness and prejudice. When we have conflicts with others, if we can view them with the mindset of "regarding ourselves as others", we will handle problems more calmly and avoid emotional reactions. We will realize that everyone has their own stance and difficulties, and we cannot always measure others by our own standards. "No self" does not deny the existence of the self but allows us to view everything in the world more objectively and peacefully.

 

In real life, we often fall into the dilemma of the self, worrying about our gains and losses and running around for our desires. However, when we try to regard ourselves as others, we will find that those things that once made us extremely entangled may not be so important. We will cherish the people around us more and pay more attention to the needs of others, thus obtaining inner satisfaction and happiness in giving.

 

Secondly, "regard others as yourself", which is the realm of "compassion". Taoism emphasizes kindness and compassion, believing that only with a compassionate heart can we live in harmony with all things. When we regard others as ourselves, we can empathize with others' pain and happiness and care for and love others as we do for ourselves. This kind of compassionate heart makes us full of love and kindness and enables us to lend a helping hand and give help and support when others are in trouble.

 

Compassion is not weakness but a powerful force. It can resolve conflicts, warm people's hearts, and make the world a better place. When we treat others with compassion, we will also receive respect and love from others. In this process, our souls are nourished, and our lives become more meaningful. We will find that giving brings more happiness than taking, and caring for others is caring for ourselves.

 

Then, "regard others as others", which is the realm of "wisdom". Taoism pursues conforming to nature and respecting the nature of all things. When we regard others as others, we are respecting the independence and individuality of others. Everyone is a unique individual with their own thoughts, emotions, and ways of life. We cannot impose our will on others nor overly interfere in others' lives.

 

Wise people know how to keep an appropriate distance and give others enough space and freedom. We can care about others but cannot interfere too much; we can offer suggestions but cannot force others to accept them. In interpersonal communication, we must learn to respect others' choices and understand others' decisions. Only in this way can we establish good interpersonal relationships and avoid unnecessary conflicts and contradictions.

 

Finally, "regard yourself as yourself", which is the realm of "nature". Taoism advocates returning to nature and conforming to nature. When we regard ourselves as ourselves, we are accepting our true selves, not deliberately changing ourselves nor blindly catering to others. We must recognize our own strengths and weaknesses, give play to our strengths and make up for our weaknesses. At the same time, we must also respect our inner feelings and listen to our inner voices.

 

The realm of nature allows us to face ourselves truly and be brave to be ourselves. We no longer pretend to be someone else to please others nor lose ourselves in pursuit of external recognition. We live with a calm attitude and pursue our dreams and happiness. In this process, we will find that true happiness comes from inner satisfaction and from the recognition and acceptance of ourselves.

 

Under the guidance of the Taoist priest, the young man began to explore and understand these four realms. He gradually understood that becoming a person who makes himself happy and brings happiness to others is not an overnight thing but requires continuous cultivation and practice in life. He learned to put aside the self with the mindset of "no self" when facing difficulties and face challenges with a broader mind; when getting along with others, he cares for others with a compassionate heart and transmits warmth and positive energy; in interpersonal communication, he respects others' individuality with the eye of "wisdom" and keeps an appropriate distance; when facing himself, he accepts himself with the attitude of "nature" and bravely pursues his dreams.

 

As time goes by, the young man's heart becomes more substantial and powerful. He is no longer swayed by the distractions of the outside world nor worried about temporary gains and losses. He lives with a peaceful and happy attitude and influences and infects the people around him with his actions. He has become a person who is truly happy himself and brings happiness to others.

 

In our lives, we can also be like the young man, draw strength from the wisdom of the Taoist priest, and strive to pursue these four realms. Let us learn tolerance in "no self", transmit love in "compassion", respect others in "wisdom", and accept ourselves in "nature". Only in this way can we walk more firmly and calmly on the road of life and become a person who not only makes ourselves happy but also brings happiness to others.

 

The profound wisdom of Taoist thought, like a clear spring, flows in our lives and nourishes our souls. Let us continuously explore and grow under the guidance of these four realms and pursue the happiness that belongs to us.