The Complete Collection of Ice Books

Chapter 2 God's Bone (1)
what is god bone
Original text
The saying goes, "The threshed grain is chaff, and its marrow remains ①", which is also called a god;

注释
① Si: modal particles, meaningless, here refers to "still, still". ②God: It is not an equivalent concept to "spirit". In addition to the meaning of vigorous energy, it also includes the light of wisdom embodied in a person through knowledge, experience, will, and temperament. It is vitality, action, and will. A combination of strength and creativity. ③Qian: pull out, extended to loss, loss, here can be understood as the peeling and loss of soil and rock. ④Zhen: Maintain stability by pressing hard, here refers to relying on the support of rocks to maintain stability.

Translation
As the saying goes, "The husk removed from the rice is the chaff of little use, but the essence of the rice, the rice, still exists and will not be lost due to the wear and tear of the husk."This essence, compared to human beings, is a person's "God".As the saying goes, "Although the soil on the surface of a mountain is often shed and lost, it will not collapse and be broken, because its main part is a rock as hard as steel and will not be blown away by wind and rain."The "stone township" mentioned here is equivalent to the hardest part of a person's body - "bone".

Interpretation
"God's Bone" is the opening chapter of "Bingjian" and the general outline of the whole book. It mainly discusses "God" and "Bone". From this we can see the focus of Zeng Guofan's attention when tasting characters.Zeng Guofan used two metaphors to vividly explain what "god" and "bone" refer to.

The essence of rice is rice, and the rice is stored in the husk, and the husk is crushed into bran, and the essence is still there after the skin is removed, so it is useful.The rice has not gone with the chaff, so the "god" will not lose anything due to the change of "shape" (appearance, etc.). "God" and "shape" are like "rice" and "bran", so it is said that "the grain is threshed into bran, and the marrow remains."

There is skin and flesh on the outside of the "bone", like soil and sand on a high mountain.Bones are the fundamental pillars of the human frame.Bones are to the human body what mountains and rocks are to sand.The sand and soil have fallen off and lost, but the rocks stand still, which is still enough to see its majesty.Just like the appearance of the human body, even if there are any damages and defects, the richness and handsomeness of the bones will not change, and it is still enough to judge the magnificence of a person. Therefore, it is said that "the mountain does not collapse, but the stone is the town."

When it comes to humans specifically, what exactly is “God”?

"God" here refers to the inner mental state of a person, as opposed to "shape", which is composed of people's willpower, attention, vitality, action, temperament, demeanor, etc., compared with the "spirit" in daily life. The connotation is much richer, and it can often be expressed through a person's appearance, especially the eyes.This inner mental state will not change because of the beauty and ugliness of the appearance, the black and white of the skin; nor will it change greatly due to momentary emotions.In other words, "God" is very stable and will not change at any time due to external interference factors; at the same time, it also shows that "God" has a unique penetrating power, which can pass through various appearances (such as appearance ) interference and manifested. "God" is not static, it is still a temperamental thing, which can undergo certain changes in the acquired environment.After various tempering, such as wisdom, experience, ability and confidence have increased, the "God" will become clearer, more sophisticated, rich and proficient.

Of course, "God" does not come out of thin air, and it cannot exist independently without a specific material form.It must be something to rely on.There was such a verse in an ancient book:
论神
The inner form of the gods is invisible, and the spirit is the lifeblood of nourishing the spirit;
When the qi is strong and the blood is harmonious, it will be stable, and when the blood is dry, the qi will disperse and the spirit will rush.

Mo Biao is delicate and refreshing, with qi and blood and calm mind;
The clearness and turbidity of the spirit is the form, and the wisdom, foolishness, virtuous and humble are the most worthy of discussion.

It can be seen that "shape" is the material basis and form of expression of "spirit", and the two are interdependent and inseparable.The invisible and intangible "spirit" is hidden in the "shape", which determines the style and charm of the "shape".If God is "light", the "form" is the sun and the moon. The sun and the moon emit light that illuminates the earth, but the light is not the sun and the moon themselves.Therefore, when observing people in daily life, one must observe the "form" to observe the "spirit", and to observe the "form" one must observe the "spirit".This is also the purpose of Zeng Guofan's quotation of metaphors at the beginning: to look at people should not only look at the surface, but to have both spirit and shape, and observe the appearance and the inside.The "surface" here refers to the "shape" of a person, that is, the external image; the "inner" refers to the "god" and the inner world of a person.

Regarding "spirit" and "shape", there is a saying in traditional Chinese medicine that "shape helps to nourish blood, blood helps to nourish qi, and qi helps to nourish the spirit".If the body is intact, the blood can circulate (there is a saying in traditional Chinese medicine that "there is no pain if the flow is normal, and the blockage is not the pain"), and the blood flow is unimpeded, and the qi can be smooth; once the qi is smooth, the mind will be clear and clear.It can be seen that "God" runs through the whole process of life and is an important characteristic of vitality.When the vitality is strong, the qi and blood will be strong, and the "shape" will show vitality.If the blood is dry and the qi is scattered, the spirit will inevitably be in a trance, and the "form" will be sluggish.The stability of essence, qi, spirit, and blood is a long-term process.That is to say, if a person's blood is not smooth and Qi is not smooth for a long time, he will not be able to concentrate, his work efficiency will naturally be low, it will be difficult to develop his talents, and his career development will be hopeless.If things go on like this, the mastery of fate is self-evident.People who watch people make judgments based on this, and they can often speak like gods.On the contrary, if a person has been in a state of smooth blood, smooth energy, and peaceful mind for a long time, once needed, he will immediately concentrate his energy, mobilize and stimulate the potential in the body, and it is possible to realize inspiration and super-level performance.If things go on like this, the natural career will be successful.As long as observers are good at grasping this "information", they will be able to judge like a god.

The sufficiency or insufficiency of the "God" affects the ability to play, and is crucial to the success or failure of career and destiny.

What is a "bone"?

According to the basic theory of "interaction between heaven and man" (or "human microcosm theory"), we can judge the fate of human beings by looking at the whole from a part; from the perspective of cultural anthropology, the "microcosm theory" or The theory of "interaction between heaven and man" has its cultural significance, and it is also an important coordinate for us to understand the way of thinking and psychological world of ancient Chinese people.In fact, although all kinds of physiognomy have a superstitious side, they also contain many ancient people's experience in understanding society and life, and have some reasonable elements.

The original meaning of "bone" is bones, and later combined with physiognomy to become a term of physiognomy. The "bone" mentioned in "Bing Jian" specifically refers to those few bones that match the "God" and can convey the "God".In the childhood of human beings, people often used bones to divination of good and bad luck. The ancient Chinese used physiognomy to divination of fate, and they often explored people's fortune, misfortune and longevity from the perspective of human body and bones.In the chapter of "Xianggu" in "Lunheng" written by Wang Chong of the Eastern Han Dynasty, there is "the method of judging the joints, observing the principles of the skin, and judging the life of a person without any failure." Judging a person's wealth and poverty is the main legal theory.

The relationship between "bone" and "God" can also be understood from the relationship between "shape" and "God".The flesh and blood may become fat or thin due to changes in living conditions, and the beard and hair will change from thick to thin due to age, but the bones will not change much.From the perspective of physical anthropology, the importance of bones lies in the fact that bones support the flesh and blood, just like the pillars needed for a building, and its inheritance and development often take several generations, tens of generations, hundreds of generations, and a nation's To be strong, to multiply a surname, and to prosper a family all need to be strengthened.Therefore, when the ancients knew people, they paid attention to the observation of bones, which also has a certain objective basis.It's just that there is an elusive and incomprehensible mystery between "bone" and "god".It is often difficult for ordinary people to grasp it, and they can only experience it more in practice.

Utilize the world
The core idea of ​​the art of judging people in "Bingjian" is to measure comprehensively, to know people and discuss things.Zeng Guofan not only examines a person from the aspects of appearance, speech, and actions, but also grasps a person's "god" from all aspects, so as to entrust responsibility based on the person's comprehensive quality.Therefore, Zeng Guofan's observation of people with spiritual knowledge is a dynamic process, and it is also a comprehensive process, which is exactly what makes Zeng Guofan superior to others.

Jiang Zhongyuan (1812-1854), courtesy name Changru and nickname Jueqiao, was born in Xinning, Hunan.Jiang Zhongyuan was originally studying in a remote mountain in Hunan, but he went to Beijing to take part in the imperial examination, and went to visit Zeng Guofan as a junior from his hometown.At that time, Zeng Guofan was already a second-rank official, while Jiang Zhongyuan was just an ordinary scholar waiting to be promoted.After meeting, the two talked very speculatively, and Zeng Guofan also appreciated Jiang Zhongyuan's talent.

When Jiang Zhongyuan left, Zeng Guofan watched him leave intently until he walked out the door.Zeng Guofan said to Guo Songtao who introduced Jiang Zhongyuan: "It is impossible for the capital to seek such a talent." Then he said: "A person must make a name for himself in the world, but he should die with righteousness." Surprised.

In 1848, Jiang Zhongyuan began to organize regiment training to suppress the Qinglian Sect Uprising in Xinning County. Depending on the battle, he was awarded the seventh-rank county magistrate and served in Zhejiang. In 1851, Hong Xiuquan led and launched the Jintian Uprising, and the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Movement broke out.In the following year, Jiang Zhongyuan led his troops into Guangxi and defected to the Wulantai Army, the deputy capital of Guangxi, preparing to attack the Taiping Army that was victorious.After Zeng Guofan knew about it, he wrote a letter to Jiang Zhongyuan from Beijing, resolutely opposing him to join the army, thinking that he "studied in the mountains" and it was "inappropriate" to join the army.He also mobilized his friends to dissuade Jiang Zhongyuan, thinking that "regiment training defense" is the duty of literati, and he led troops to Guangxi, which means "the great festival has been lost."

Why did Zeng Guofan resolutely oppose Jiang Zhongyuan's investment in the army?Some people think that this is because he "loves others with virtue" and he does not want a literati like Jiang Zhongyuan to do the work of a warrior.Some people think that fighting is a murderous occupation. At this time, Zeng Guofan hadn't wanted to be a "butcher", so he discouraged Jiang Zhongyuan from choosing a career carefully!Of course, some people speculated that Zeng Guofan had already seen that Jiang Zhongyuan would "die with integrity" and did not want to see Jiang Zhongyuan do such a dangerous thing.Unfortunately, Zeng Guofan did not mention this matter in his family letters, diaries, or correspondence, so later generations had to "speculate".

But Jiang Zhongyuan did not listen to Zeng Guofan's words. He led his army to set up an ambush at Suoyidu in Guangxi, and severely damaged the Taiping Army in the first battle.Jiang Zhongyuan won the first battle, and since then he has become famous in the court for his good command of troops.The troops led by Jiang Zhongyuan were also the first Hunan Army to fight in the province.Later, Jiang Zhongyuan pursued the Taiping Army, accumulated military merits, and was quickly promoted from the county magistrate of the seventh rank to the governor of Anhui (the official rank was from the second rank).

In 1853, Zeng Guofan also started to organize regiment training, and Jiang Zhongyuan became his capable general. In 1854, Shi Dakai, a brave general of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and King of Wings, led his troops to face the Hunan Army.Jiang Zhongyuan defended Luzhou, was besieged by the Taiping army, and the city was broken. Jiang Zhongyuan drowned and died after exhausted from fighting hard.

Zeng Guofan's basis for judging that Jiang Zhongyuan will "must make a name for himself in the world, but he should die with righteousness" is now impossible to verify.But one thing is certain, he watched Jiang Zhongyuan for a long time, he must be observing his "god" and "bones", measuring his "blessing" and "disaster".

workplace utilization
In an increasingly competitive workplace, knowing people is very important.Relationships in the modern workplace are complicated, and everyone is cautious in words and deeds, so it is not so easy to identify people through superficial words or behaviors.Whether it is a small soldier in the workplace or a manager in a high position, it will be beneficial to grasp the relationship in the workplace with ease.

An advertising company recruited two advertising designers, and the favorable treatment attracted many people to apply for the job.Before the interview, all the applicants held their breath and sat in the reception room as if facing an enemy.Only one young woman was always smiling and poised.This woman attracted the examiner's attention, and she called out her job application registration form, and found that she neither had a professional diploma in advertising design, nor had she worked in this industry for a long time.But throughout, the woman kept a natural, confident smile.Her self-confidence could not help but make the examiners ignore her education and began to pay attention to her works.Due to her innovative works and unique style, she finally became one of the two lucky ones signed by this advertising company.

It is the inner self-confidence of this woman that makes her calm in the face of fierce competition, and it is also the self-confidence that makes her different from other opponents.The general manager noticed her, and the examiners also had a sense of trust in her, so they paid attention to her works, so that she could successfully present her works in front of the examiners, and won a chance for herself to succeed.

From this story, we can know that "god" is an inner mental state composed of various factors such as a person's knowledge, personality, cultivation, temperament, and talent. "God" can be expressed through "shape", that is, personal words and deeds, smiles and frowns.Observing people and people, you can observe "God" through "shape".

two eyes
Original text
A whole body of spirit, with almost ①two eyes.

注释
① with almost: concentrated in, embodied in.

Translation
A person's mental state is mainly concentrated in his two eyes.

Interpretation
Eyes can best reflect a person's wisdom, ignorance, good and evil.Wisdom leads to refreshment, ignorance leads to turbidity and dryness, kindness leads to upright dignity, and evil leads to arrogance and obscenity.Therefore, "Bingjian" regards "eyes" as the first way to judge "God".

The function of the eyes on the face is like a clear spring and a flat lake. It must have depth to appear clear, agile and rich in connotations.The "deep" here does not mean that the eye sockets are deep, but that the eyes are deep.Although children's eyes are very simple, without too much artificial connotation, they are as bright and clear as a clear pool under the sun. This is the "deep" of children's innocence; Then the eyes are still concentrated, and the depth is bottomless.And what time has left in his eyes is not gloom, but infinite charm, which is the "deepness" of adult experience.

All in all, a person whose eyes are like lacquer, black and white, and piercing, must be a person with a smart heart and a clear atmosphere.But those whose eyes are cloudy, scattered, or like a shallow stream, can see sand and gravel at a glance; or like a lychee, with only a shallow layer of thin silk wrapped around the core, their intelligence and mind are doubtful.

When Wang Xizhi saw Du Hongzhi in the Jin Dynasty, he once praised Du Hongzhi: "The face is like creamy fat, and the eyes are like lacquer. This is a man among immortals." Such a radiant look!
When we appreciate a portrait of a character, we are often first attracted by the eyes of the person in the painting.The eyes are the window to the soul and the most expressive organ, where all the emotions and desires of a person can be expressed in the eyes.The same is true in reality. If we want to know a person's thoughts, we can understand a little bit by looking at his eyes.

From a medical point of view, the eyes are the most sensitive among the five senses, accounting for more than 70% of the sensory field, so they are called "the king of the five senses".According to research, the eyes are the extension of the brain nerve center in the eye socket. There are three-level neurons in the bottom of the eyeball, just like the cerebral cortex cells, which have the ability of analysis and synthesis; and the changes of pupils, eyeball activities, etc. are directly affected. Controlled by the cranial nerves, people's happiness, anger, sorrow, joy, love, evil, desire, pain and other feelings will be revealed in the eyes.

According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the eyes are connected with the liver and kidney.If a person has liver disease, some signs can be seen from the eyes.If a person's eyes are bright, bright and shiny, it indicates that the kidney energy is strong and the body is in good condition, which is a sign of health; otherwise, it indicates that the mental state is not good, lacks vitality, and it is difficult to concentrate on work.People often use "sparkling eyes" to describe a person who is energetic, alert and capable.

In addition, the change of the pupil is also beyond the control of people.The dilation or contraction of the pupil truly reflects complex and changeable mental activities.When a person is excited, fond, and happy, his pupils will dilate four times than usual; on the contrary, when he encounters anger, disgust, and negative emotions, his pupils will shrink very small.The pupils do not change, indicating that he is indifferent or bored to the people or things he sees.Therefore, the rotation of eyeballs, the opening and closing of eyelids, the speed and direction of gaze transfer, and the coordination of eye and head movements are all conveying some information and a person's inner secrets.

As the writer Emerson said: "Man's eyes speak as much as his tongue. He doesn't need a dictionary, but he can understand the whole world from the language of his eyes." Through your eyes, you can know whether the person in front of you is kind or not. Vicious, honest or naughty, like you or hate you.Maybe he conceals it well on the whole, but there is always a moment when his eyes can betray him.

It can be seen that the eyes contain a lot of information about a person, which is not only related to physical health and the flow of Qi and blood, but also related to people's emotions and inner activities. Therefore, people's spiritual world can be accurately grasped through the eyes.Even people's wisdom, ignorance, loyalty, traitor, virtuous and unworthy, can be seen through the eyes.

"God" is hidden in "shape", which is the appearance, especially the eyes.The relationship between God and the eye is like light and the sun.God appears through the eyes, just as light radiates from the sun to illuminate all things, but God is hidden in the eyes, just as the light itself exists within the sun.Therefore, by observing a person's rich eye language, we can have a general understanding of a person's personality and thoughts at that time to a certain extent.Therefore, in many cases, the eyes are the only way to know people, and the external means to observe a person's various attributes, abilities and qualities. "One spirit, two eyes" is a programmatic summary of the above thoughts in "Bing Jian".

The eyes are divided into the white of the eye and the black of the eye. The black of the eye is the pupil, and the white of the eye is the white part around the pupil.Generally speaking, the eyes should be black and white, black should be black, white should be white, so that you can see things clearly and brightly.Some people have small pupils and large whites; others have large pupils and small whites; others have strangely shaped eyes, which are relatively rare.Based on these conditions, we can divide the eyes into the following types:
Peach Blossom Eyes: Long eyes with slightly curved tails.The eyes are watery, with a slight blush around them, the shape of the eyes is like a peach blossom, the eyelashes are long, the tails of the eyes are slightly upturned, the pupils often squint upwards, black and white are not clear, the eyes seem drunk and not drunk, it makes people feel a little hazy and strange .

Danfeng eyes: It is characterized by long and slender eyes, with the tails of the eyes extending obliquely upwards towards the temples. The eyelids are double inward, and the dark eyes are hidden inside but not exposed.People with this eye shape are often loyal and courageous, hate evil like hatred, act bravely when seeing justice, will draw swords to help when the road is injustice, have a clear distinction between love and hate, repay favors, keep promises and keep promises, and can suddenly become famous in troubled times.

(End of this chapter)