This is a keystone post that I update regularly as my understanding and perspectives evolve with time.
This is one of my biggest learnings in 2023.
见山是山，见水是水；
见山不是山，见水不是 水；
见山还是山，见水还是水。
Translation:
Seeing the mountain is the mountain, seeing the water is the water.
Seeing the mountain is not the mountain, seeing water is not the water;
Seeing the mountain is still the mountain, seeing water is still the water.
见山是山，见水是水；
In the beginning, one perceives things as they are; a straightforward understanding of reality.
见山不是山，见水不是 水；
The initial, surface-level understanding is deconstructed. Things are no longer perceived in the ordinary, everyday way.
见山还是山，见水还是水。
Finally, after going through the process of deconstruction, we arrive at a state of profound understanding. Despite the intellectual understanding of the previous stage, the simplicity and essence of things are reaffirmed. The mountain is, once again, just a mountain, and the water is just water.
I first heard of this during a talk by Dr Ko Wen-je (a doctor, the former mayor of Taipei, Taiwan and now a presidential candidate). It is a great speech worth watching (a few times).
见山是山，见水是水；
When Dr Ko first graduated and became a doctor, he saw the patient.
见山不是山，见水不是 水；
Thereafter, for many years, he did not “see” the patient. He saw the patient’s x-rays, medical reports, and the readings from medical devices; focused on curing the illness to keep the patient alive and recover.
见山还是山，见水还是水。
Finally, in his 50s, he saw the patient and the family. Medical advances can save patients but he pondered what it meant by being alive (not dead) and living.
Dr Ko’s perspectives on being a medical doctor evolved. He interpreted life as a process of learning, searching and finding meanings.
见山见水的三重境界 and Dr Ko’s interpretations have been one of the profound learnings that have brought a change in my perspectives. It constantly provokes me to ponder and reflect on their deeper meanings. I wish I had known this much earlier.
These are some of my interpretations and perspectives. Everyone will have different perspectives.
Overseas holidays
见山是山，见水是水；
At first, we went for overseas holidays as a place we wanted to explore, experience and enjoy; as something different from our home country. We were curious and excited to explore and learn about a new place. We have little expectations.
见山不是山，见水不是 水；
We begin to associate holidays with status-seeking — we go to better (more developed) countries (good weather, clean, safe), go sightseeing and tourist attractions and take pictures to post on social media.
We “see” the buildings and landscapes, eat their local food and enjoy the weather. However, we hardly talk with the locals. We may not visit the local places that the locals live and go to. We tend to compare to our home country or the regions we live in rather than appreciate the places as they are.
We see holidays as a way to utilise our annual leave, to get away from the office and work and an opportunity where the family is together.
见山还是山，见水还是水。
We “see” the country physically but we do not understand the country — why it is as it is (culturally, economically, politically and its history). Talking to the locals offers a more nuanced understanding of the country. Admittedly, YouTube videos and documentaries offer better perspectives of the country. Together, we better appreciate and empathise with the similarities and differences to help us understand the world better.
Wherever you go, there you are.
The above suggests that no matter where we go or what changes we make in our external environment, we cannot escape from ourselves. The overseas holiday is a temporary escape and to recharge. It encourages us to be present in the moment and to confront and understand ourselves rather than seeking escape or distraction. It reminds us that true contentment and self-discovery come from within, and changing external circumstances (overseas holidays) may not necessarily lead to inner peace or fulfilment. It is a reminder to be mindful and fully engage with the present moment, recognizing that our perspective and state of mind are crucial components of our experiences.
Overseas holidays are times to reconnect with our loved ones in a relaxed setting rather than the usually busy and stressful setting. This is the main objective for holidays for many; though the countries and places (i.e. Disneyland) we visit do make a difference to the excitement that the kids will have.
The three stages reflect our motivations for travel and strive for a deeper and more meaningful connection with the destinations visited. It highlights the potential for personal and relational growth that can be achieved through a thoughtful and engaged approach to overseas holidays.
Money
见山是山，见水是水；
When we first earn money, money is used to buy what we want to buy.
见山不是山，见水不是 水；
Our interpretation and understanding of money evolve. We begin to associate money with financial well-being, security, personal fulfilment and a status symbol and power. Money is often a measure of life.
Depending on our circumstances and goals, we may find ourselves on a hedonic treadmill and debts to pay for these. It becomes a source of stress, anxiety and greed.
见山还是山，见水还是水。
Instead of letting money define us, we return to a more balanced view of money; its purpose, our goals and what is enough. We see money as a tool and its costs (how much time and effort we expend to earn the money). Understanding its role in our lives and maintaining a healthy perspective help to avoid excessive attachment or anxiety and be contented.
The three stages can be seen as a progression from a purely materialistic view of money to a more holistic and meaningful one.
Related post: Redefining our meaning of money and life towards financial independence
Parenthood
见山是山，见水是水；
At the beginning of the parenting journey, we see the child for who they are. We teach them with lots of play and fun. There are little expectations.
见山不是山，见水不是 水；
As your child grows, challenges and expectations arise. There are societal expectations and academic pressures together with our expectations. We want them to do well and succeed. We invest and sacrifice for them; hoping that they do well and live a better life. We protect them and want them to be our pride.
While money is a measure of life at a later stage of life, the performance in formal education is a measure of life for the child and becomes a key performance indicator for the parents. The child is constantly measured (with tests and examinations) and they may not live up to it.
We can be concerned with our expectations on them. We may dismiss their interests and goals leading to a deteriorating relationship.
见山还是山，见水还是水。
We begin to accept them as who they are and let go of our societal expectations. Instead, we understand them and their characters, guide and help them with their challenges as much as possible while we are still around.
Through them, we see ourselves. What is the measure of life? As we live through our lives and realise the pace of change, we wonder how the future will be for our kids. How the world and the country will change? What is needed for their lives ahead? What are important values they should have?
“儿孙能如我，何必留多财，
倘若不如我，多财亦是空，
不为自己求利益，但愿大众共安宁”。If the children and grandchildren can be like me, then they require not of material inheritance;
If the children and grandchildren are not like myself, then of what use is my wealth to them?
Do not seek personal interests but peace for all
They may not become the great people we want them to be. There are many paths in life. So long as they are resilient, have goals and work towards them, be useful, contribute well to society and live their happy lives, that is good enough. You do you, I do me.
It is a journey from an initial state of joy to a period of heightened expectations, followed by a return to acceptance and understanding to appreciate their children for their individuality and guide them towards a fulfilling and happy life, even if it may not align with traditional measures of success.
Related post: A paradoxical principle for parents: Don’t make your kid’s life easy
Education and learning
见山是山，见水是水；
When we first started learning, we began with an empty mindset and were curious to know and learn.
见山不是山，见水不是 水；
As we went into the school system, we studied to get into good schools, universities and the desired courses. We equate learning to textbooks, acing in examinations and getting to the schools and courses we want. We may not like what we study; we study because we have to. Some carry the high expectations of their parents. Some may lose interest. People stop or slow down their learning after their formal education; “done” with the learning.
见山还是山，见水还是水。
We realise learning is more than textbooks, examinations and certificates. Knowledge is easily available and accessible with the internet and we realise we can learn and know as much as want; the infiniteness of knowledge. We are not limited by what we have in schools and the country we live in.
Learning becomes a process of self-discovery driven by interest and curiosity. At times, as we learn, we do not know what is right and wrong, where it will lead us and its long-term usefulness. We need to be open-minded and curious to understand, question and explore various assumptions and perspectives. It is a constant process of learning, unlearning and relearning; we think we know, we do not and we keep learning. This requires humility and a student mindset rather than being a know-it-all.
The knowledge we gain in schools and our degrees will be obsolete over time. Hence, we believe that learning is measured by the degrees, certificates and grades we obtained and we have completed our learning, this is a narrow and fixed mindset. This is a detrimental mindset to the ever-evolving and changing world we live in. Many continue to keep learning. It is less of being school smart and intelligent or gifted but more of being curious and open-minded.
I constantly see people rise in life who are not the smartest, sometimes not even the most diligent, but they are learning machines.
Charlie Munger
Over time, as we continue to learn, we begin to appreciate and feel the compounding returns of learning. More dots get connected and we develop a deeper, independent and unique understanding. As we begin to appreciate and understand 见山见水的三重境界 of learning where we see how knowledge and perspectives evolve within us . Formal education (schools, universities and cerificates) matter much less with time.
The three stages can be seen as a journey from initial natural curiosity, fulfilling external and societal demands to self-directed exploration.
Changes
见山是山，见水是水；
We understand changes. As changes benefit us and help us, we view them as good.
见山不是山，见水不是 水；
Being affected by external factors, we feel angry and unhappy. We can insist that we are right and we blame the situation and the stakeholders for causing the changes. We are victims or we accept the reality and change to navigate our way out.
When we are faced with challenges, resistance and objections, what should I do? Ain’t I right and they are wrong? Isn’t this unfair? Why should I change? How can I change?
见山不是山，见水不是 水；
Our understanding of change evolves. As the situation changes, we try to view them more positively and as an opportunity. Whether we see the situation as an opportunity or threat, is our perception.
Everything happens for a reason and it meant to serve us well.
Instead of being reactive, we also take a more proactive stance towards changes. We change ourselves to achieve (life) goals that we set for ourselves.
Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.
Winston Churchill
A similar quote in Chinese by Dr Ko.
人生最困难的不是挫折打击，而是面临各种挫折困难，仍没有失去对人世的热情。挫折是人生一部分，过一段时间再看，好像也没那么严重。
- Keep an open mind.
- Respond positively and proactively to each situation.
- Be adaptive and have a growth mindset.
- Be resilient and not lose hope and enthusiasm.
Life and death
见山是山，见水是水；
When we are young, we feel life. We know life and death at a superficial level. We live as it is and take it for granted. Death is for the old and it is so far away that we do not think about it. We have time.
见山不是山，见水不是 水；
Slowly, we feel death. We witness the deaths of those close to us — family members, friends and relatives — their pain, suffering and suddenness. Man proposes God disposes. Life can be unfair.
We also begin to feel the challenges of life. It can be unfair, not easy and can be difficult. Many are not having an easy life. We begin to question the meaning of life more.
见山还是山，见水还是水。
As we get older, we begin to accept the inevitability of death with equanimity though unsure how, what and when our ending will be. Death is an endpoint but not the objective; life is the process.
Focus on the present; focus on what we want to do while alive and on being grateful for the health and good fortune we have.
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
Mahatma Gandhi
A litmus test from Ray Dalio: Are you ready to die? Are you free to die? This perspective encourages us to embrace the journey, prioritize our true desires, and find contentment and meaning in the present moment.
Our lives are finite, but life is infinite. We are the finite players in the infinite game of life. We come and go, we’re born and we die, and life still continues with us or without us.
Simon Sinek
As we understand the inevitability of death and the finiteness of our lives, the meaning of life becomes clearer. Memento Mori (a Latin phrase that translates to “remember that you must die”) is a Stoic reminder of the certainty and inescapability of death. It is not intended to be morbid; rather, to clarify, illuminate, and inspire.
There are many things we can do our part. Helping others allows us to be less focused on ourselves and more on our family and others.
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
Greek Proverb
We need to cultivate awareness, appreciate the present, understand the transient nature of existence, and adopt a mindset of detachment and contentment. We need to have a balanced and harmonious perspective on the journey from life to death.
见山见水的三重境界 reflects the evolution of perspectives from initial simplicity to complexity, and finally, to a more profound, balanced and yet simple appreciation and acceptance of reality. It is the journey of life that involves evolving perspectives, continuous learning, and the development of a balanced and enlightened view of the world.
In a certain way, it is about knowing our needs, we went on to pursue our wants before going back to satisfying our basic needs.
Everyone may derive their different and diverse meanings based on their personal experiences, perspectives, and contexts. There are no “right” or “wrong” interpretations. Instead, it provokes thought and introspection.
It is a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. As long as we can continue to learn, reflect and grow, we are already on the right track. We can also judge whether we are on the right track through the following aspects:
- Open-mindedness: Be able to accept different viewpoints and be willing to think critically.
- Continuous learning and growing: Ability to learn from experience and continuously expand one’s horizons.
- Reflective Inquiry: Reflect on our interpretations over time. As our experiences and understanding evolve, our interpretation may also change. Continually inquire into the relevance of the concept in different stages of our lives.
- Finding our inner balance: Be able to accept the diversity and complexity of things and find a balance among them.
If we can do the above, it means that we are constantly moving towards a higher realm and a better and deeper understanding with 见山见水的三重境界.
Related posts:
Embracing the finiteness of life and what remains
The races and journey of life
