Taoism -- Popular Science about Academics

Taoism views academic studies as an important path to "embodying the Tao and cultivating virtue," with its core being "understanding the Tao through learning and illuminating virtue through wisdom." Its essence can be summarized in three dimensions:

The *Taishang Laojun Neiguan Jing* (Scripture of Inner Observation by the Supreme Lord Lao) proposes that "the Dao is attained through the heart, and the heart is enlightened through the Dao," believing that the essence of learning is "cultivating the mind"—when the mind is not agitated, thoughts are clear; when distracting thoughts do not arise, wisdom naturally arises. Taoism opposes rote memorization and advocates "observing things to understand the Dao": for example, understanding the logic of knowledge through observing natural laws, and improving concentration through meditation. This aligns with the *Tao Te Ching*'s concept of "attaining utmost emptiness and maintaining steadfast stillness" in cultivating the mind.

Taoism emphasizes "following the natural way," and that learning should conform to the laws of cognition. The *Yunji Qiqian* advocates "understanding astronomy, geography, and human affairs," promoting a balanced approach to literature and science, and the unity of knowledge and action. Wang Fu's assertion that "the Tao is achieved through learning and stored in books" further clarifies that books are "vessels carrying the Tao," and that reading and learning are a process of dialogue with the Tao. Taoism opposes excessive pressure that goes against one's nature, believing that "forcing learning is not as good as following one's nature." Just as plants need to grow in accordance with the seasons, learning should also be tailored to one's individual talents.

"Honoring the Dao and valuing virtue" is the core principle of Daoist learning. The *Taiping Jing* states, "Wisdom is formed from virtue and righteousness, and learning is sought from wisdom," emphasizing that virtue is the foundation of wisdom. Historically, the Wenchang Emperor was deified from Zhang Yazi, a loyal minister who "served the Jin dynasty and died in battle." His "loyalty, courage, and integrity" were regarded as the "foundation of literary fortune," confirming the Daoist principle that "without virtue, learning is difficult to achieve."

Wenchang Dijun is the core deity in Taoism who governs literary fortune and academic success. His belief practice has formed a three-in-one protection system of "offering, rituals, and ritual implements", which has the functions of both faith and psychological suggestion.

1. Placement and maintenance of religious statues

Location: It is advisable to place it in the southeast of the study (the Wen Chang position), which should be higher than a person's shoulder, with a solid wall behind it (symbolizing "a solid foundation for academic success"). It should be kept away from places with foul air such as toilets and kitchens, and should not face the door or window directly (to prevent "spiritual energy from leaking out").

Maintenance: For wooden statues, wipe off dust monthly with a soft chamois cloth and apply natural beeswax for maintenance; for bronze statues, clean regularly with warm water to prevent verdigris from covering the face; for ceramic statues, wipe away stains with rice water, but avoid using chemical cleaners.

Offerings: Daily offerings should include clean water and fruit (apples and oranges are preferred), and avoid meat, fish, and alcohol. On the third day of the second lunar month (the birthday of Wenchang) and the first day of the eighth lunar month (the day of his enlightenment), Wenchang cake, writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone can be added to express the desire to "respect literature and learning".

2. Sacrificial Rituals: Spring and Autumn Sacrifices and Daily Worship

Daily worship: Before morning reading, wash your hands, burn incense, bow three times to Wenchang Dijun, and silently recite "Wenchang Dijun, wise and enlightened; help me with my studies, clear mind and bright eyes" before starting to study to concentrate your mind.

Spring and Autumn Grand Sacrifices: For the spring sacrifice (February 3rd) and the autumn sacrifice (August 1st), you can go to the Wenchang Temple to participate in the "Three Offerings Ceremony" or hold a simple ceremony at home - place offerings, recite the "Wenchang Emperor's Yin Zhi Wen", and offer flower baskets or pen and ink at the final offering, in imitation of traditional sacrificial rites.

1. Core ritual implements and their application

2. Purification and Activation of Ritual Implements

New ritual implements must undergo a "three purification ritual": first, fumigate with mugwort to dispel impurities, then place them under moonlight overnight (to symbolize "the moon's light opening wisdom"), and finally, burn incense and pray before the Wenchang statue, circling it three times clockwise to complete the activation. The implements must be kept clean daily; the Wenchang pen and Wenchang pagoda should be gently wiped with clean water on the first day of each month, avoiding contact with oil.

Taoism believes that the study is the core place for "gathering literary energy and nourishing the mind and spirit". The layout should follow the principle of "concealing wind and gathering energy, and harmonizing yin and yang", with a focus on optimizing the Wen Chang position, lighting and energy field.

1. Precise positioning and layout of the Wen Chang position

Location method : Determined by the orientation of the house—For houses facing south, the Wen Chang position is in the southeast; for houses facing west, the Wen Chang position is in the north. If a precise determination is not possible, the southeast of the study can be used as the Wen Chang position.

Key points for layout : The Wen Chang position should be bright and open, where you can place a Wen Chang Pagoda, bamboo (symbolizing "refined and principled"), and writing implements. Avoid piling up clutter and electronic products (electromagnetic radiation disturbs the scholarly energy). You can hang a calligraphy work "Tranquility Leads to Far-Reaching Vision" to enhance the energy field. A desk is suitable here, with the desktop kept clean and only containing current study materials, reflecting a focused and dedicated attitude towards learning.

2. Optimization of the core area of ​​the study

Desk layout : The back should be against a solid wall (representing a stable academic environment), and it should not be against a window or directly facing the door (a lack of support can lead to restlessness); the left side of the desk should be higher than the right side (a higher Azure Dragon position indicates literary talent, while a lower White Tiger position indicates composure), and a bookshelf can be placed on the left side, while the right side should be left empty or have a desk lamp placed on it.

Lighting and color : Primarily use natural light, avoid dim lighting (too much yin can dull the mind), and pair it with a warm white table lamp (soft and not glaring); use light and elegant colors such as off-white and light blue for the walls, and avoid bright red and purple (too irritating to the mind); choose cotton and linen materials for the curtains, and maintain soft indoor lighting when blocking out light.

Avoiding negative energy : If there is a beam overhead (desk under a beam), use an arched ceiling to resolve the negative energy, or hang a gourd to absorb the oppressive energy; avoid bookshelves with sharp corners, and if there are sharp corners, you can stick round stickers to neutralize them; if there are utility poles or sharp-cornered buildings outside the window, you can place a Wenchang Pagoda or a convex Bagua mirror on the windowsill to reflect the negative energy.

Place a pot of asparagus fern or lucky bamboo in the corner of the study, and water it with spring water once a month (to symbolize "living water nourishing literary talent"). Replace it promptly if it withers.

Place a ceramic brush washer in the upper left corner of the desk, fill it with clean water to grow lotus flowers (symbolizing "purity of mind gives rise to wisdom"), and change the water once a week;

Avoid eating or entertaining in the study, keep it as a "dedicated room," and fumigate the room with sandalwood incense once a month to purify the chaotic energy.

Taoism emphasizes that "learning progresses through enlightenment and is ruined by poverty." The core of academic advancement is "cultivating the mind to increase wisdom and upholding precepts to nourish one's nature," which combines daily practice with the development of good study habits.

Quiet contemplation : Before morning reading each day, sit quietly for 5-10 minutes, using abdominal breathing, and silently recite the "Purifying Mantra": "Supreme Lord of the Heavenly Stars, ever-changing and unending. Expelling evil and binding demons, protecting life and body. Wisdom clear and pure, mind at peace." Clear your mind before focusing on your studies to improve concentration.

Visualization for Enlightenment : When encountering difficulties, close your eyes and visualize the light of the Big Dipper entering your brow (Yintang acupoint), silently reciting "The Big Dipper bestows life, wisdom is enlightened," using the belief of "star gods protecting you" to strengthen your confidence and stimulate your thinking.

Reading etiquette : Wash your hands and straighten your clothes before reading to show respect for knowledge; turn the pages gently and avoid tearing or folding corners; review what you have learned that day before bed, like "playing a movie" to organize your logic, which aligns with the academic requirement of "making progress every day".

Key taboos : Avoid arguing or using foul language in the study (to pollute the literary atmosphere); avoid eating while studying or playing while studying (to distract from concentration); avoid staying up late to study (to violate the natural law of "working at sunrise and resting at sunset" and exhaust one's mental energy).

Mindset adjustment : When encountering a bottleneck, avoid anxiety. You can get up and tidy your desk or wipe down the Wenchang ritual objects to calm your mind through "respecting the objects". Before the exam, silently recite "May the Wenchang Emperor protect me, may my mind be clear, and may my writing be inspired", replacing anxiety with positive psychological suggestion. When grades fluctuate, uphold the principle of "not being arrogant in good times and not being discouraged in bad times", and understand that "studying is like cultivation, and the key is perseverance".

The essence of Taoist learning is not merely seeking "fame and fortune," but rather achieving "cultivation of both mind and body" through scholarship. For the individual, learning is a path to "understanding principles and cultivating virtue," as stated in the *Wenchang Dijun Yinzhi Wen*: "Do no evil, do all good," and one must serve society with knowledge. For the Tao, learning is a vehicle for "experiencing and comprehending the Tao," ultimately achieving a state of "unity with the Tao" through understanding the laws of all things. Just as "the Tao is perfected through learning and stored in books," true wisdom in learning lies in the balanced approach of "cultivating the mind through learning, illuminating virtue through wisdom, and benefiting others through practical application."