In violent winds and raging storms, birds grow anxious and distressed;
under clear skies and gentle breezes, plants and trees flourish with joy.
Thus, we see that Heaven and Earth cannot go a single day without harmony,
nor can the human heart go a single day without joy.
疾风怒雨，禽鸟戚戚；霁日光风，草木欣欣。
可见天地不可一日无和气，人心不可一日无喜神。
Notes
Environmental Influence on Mindset:
This passage first emphasizes how external environments affect the emotional states of living beings. Harsh weather (symbolizing adversity) causes all creatures to feel suppressed and uneasy, while pleasant conditions (symbolizing favorable times) invigorate their vitality. This reminds us that our external surroundings directly impact our inner world.
Maintaining Inner Peace and Joy:
More importantly, the author uses this natural phenomenon to illustrate a principle of human cultivation: People should strive to preserve inner harmony and happiness, maintaining optimism even amid difficulties. Just as nature requires “sunshine after rain” to nourish all things, human society and individual minds need positive emotional atmospheres to foster health and growth.
Advocating Social Harmony:
Broadly, this passage implicitly calls for building harmonious social relationships. It suggests that an environment filled with goodwill, understanding, and tolerance is essential for collective well-being. Everyone should contribute positive energy to co-create a warm and kind living space.
In summary, this excerpt from Cai Gen Tan (Tending the roots of wisdom) not only reveals the isomorphism between human emotions and natural rhythms — affirming the traditional cosmic view of “heaven-human resonance” — but also teaches us to cherish peaceful times while sustaining an optimistic spirit during trials.
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