I learnt these words recently when browsing on Green Dragon Costa Rica, Ariel’s and Giovanni’s website, two of my dearest kung fu brothers from Kunyushan.
Although the Chinese words were completely new to me I had heard of the concept before. The idea of a natural state is common to many philosophies and schools of thought and many seek to reach that simplicity through various paths. But, what do they exactly mean by Fan Pu Gui Zhen?
The Daoist Approach
Often times we find Chinese expressions formed by a combination of four characters. This peculiar characteristic of Chinese language is known as cheng yu (idioms) and Fan Pu Gui Zhen is a clear example of it. It is translated in English as “to return to one’s true self” and it is considered the highest approach of Daoist cultivation. As the great Lao Tzu explains “simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being”. Often we make our lives harder by holding heavy loads of emotions derived from the stress of our daily routines and struggles. When accomplishing Fan Pu Gui Zhen we return to our natural state and get our innocent mind back. Then, like a child, we can taste again the joy of life.
Heidegger and the Western approach
However, this concept hasn’t been only explained from the wisdom of Daoism. The German philosopher Heidegger defined Fan Pu Gui Zhen from the angle of Existentialism in the twentieth century. In his book “Being and Time” (Sein und Zeit, 1927) Heidegger considers authenticity as one of his central concepts and explains how “the majority of human beings lead an existence that is inauthentic”. Rather than facing up to their own finitude -represented above all by the inevitability of death- they seek distraction and escape in “inauthentic modalities such as curiosity, ambiguity and idle talk”. Heidegger concludes that “only individuals capable of heeding the call of conscience will be able to fulfill their potential for Being-a-self”.
Simplifying, the path to happiness
Being-a-self or one’s true self, authentic adult or innocent child, both Heidegger and Daoism teach us the importance of simplicity in our lives in order to achieve happiness. How many times do we find ourselves overwhelmed by work, social commitments or family responsibilities?
In this crazy world we live in it is paramount to remind ourselves of that inner child and be mindful of our true nature. So whenever you feel the world is getting just too much, stop and breathe. Breathe. Fan Pu Gui Zhen.
-Saray-
