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Can anyone translate this phrase?


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Posted

My chinese is pretty good but I have no clue what this phrase means..

与其相濡以沫,不如相忘于江湖。

I can only find explanations in chinese.. which, unfortunately, is also too difficult for me to read.

Posted

Also take a look at the original ->

泉涸,魚相與處於陸,相呴以濕,相濡以沫,不如相忘於江湖。與其譽堯而非桀也,不如兩忘而化其道。 (莊子大宗師)

And the translation ->

When the springs dry up and the fish are left stranded on the ground, they spew each other with moisture and wet each other down with spit - but it would be much better if they could forget each other in the rivers and lakes. Instead of praising Yao and condemning Chieh, it would be better to forget both of them and transform yourself with the Way.
Posted

Hmmm.. So to my understanding it means that it is better to forget the past and look into the future. Correct?

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

I was confused about this quotation until I finally realized that the fish in the story were originally in the springs, and had the choice of entering the rivers and lakes.

rollerbldes: I think the meaning is more "leave earthly attachments behind" (and become one with the Way).

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