Mr. Long Yin (龍隱先生) represents a profound synthesis of China’s ancient wisdom traditions—reframing Ru (儒), Geng (耕), and Chan (禪) not as historical relics, but as a living path for contemporary life. His vision goes beyond academic philosophy, offering instead a practical system for cultural resilience and spiritual grounding. Here’s a clear breakdown of his core teachings:
🌿 1. Redefining “Ru” (儒): Beyond Confucianism
- Ru as Ancient Wisdom-Keepers:
Long Yin reaches back to the original meaning of Ru—pre-Confucian sages who were observers of nature and keepers of cosmic order (e.g., masters of ritual, astronomy, medicine). - Great Ru (大儒) vs. Lesser Ru (小儒):
- Lesser Ru: Later Confucian formalists focused on social rites and hierarchies.
- Great Ru: Seekers of universal truth (Dao), blending Daoist naturalism, Zen insight, and practical skills.
🌾 2. Ru Geng (儒耕): The Scholar-Farmer Spirit
This is the heart of Long Yin’s system—a fusion of intellectual and hands-on practice:
- Geng (耕) = “Cultivating with Hands”: Farming, crafting, building—any physical labor done with mindfulness.
- Du (讀) = “Cultivating with Mind”: Studying classics, poetry, astronomy, but also learning from nature.
- Living Chan (生活禪):
Every act—sweeping, cooking, planting—becomes an introspection.
Example: Peeling vegetables attentively is as valuable as seated Zen.
🧘 3. Living the Dao Without Dogma
Long Yin’s path is non-religious and adaptive:
- 隨方設教 (“Teach According to Context”):
Wisdom should be applied flexibly—whether in a corporate office or a rural farm. - 生活即是大道 (“Daily Life Is the Great Dao”):
You don’t need a temple; your kitchen, garden, or workspace can be a place of practice. - 般若屋 (“Prajna Hut”):
A metaphor for a mind that sees wisdom (prajna) everywhere.
⚖️ 4. Role in Society: Invisible in Peace, Unyielding in Crisis
- In Prosperity (盛世):
Live simply—farm, read, teach locally. Avoid fame; practice “hidden excellence.” - In Chaos (亂世):
Become a pillar of resilience: preserve knowledge, feed communities, offer moral clarity.
Historical example: Chinese scholar-farmers who maintained cultural continuity during dynastic collapses.
🔑 5. Key Practices for Modern Life
Long Yin’s methods are designed for today’s world:
- Micro-Farming: Grow vegetables on balconies; study plant cycles as Zen koans.
- Skill Bartering: Trade classical poetry recitals for carpentry lessons.
- Disaster-Proof Wisdom: Learn to purify water, ferment food, navigate by stars—using ancient texts like 齊民要術 (Qimin Yaoshu).
- Digital Minimalism: Use tech wisely, but prioritize face-to-face transmission.
🌍 6. Why This Matters Now
Long Yin’s system responds to modern crises:
- Environmental: Teaches sustainability rooted in culture, not just science.
- Psychological: Balances digital fatigue with tactile, earth-connected practices.
- Cultural: Offers non-institutional spirituality—autonomous, adaptable, and deeply grounded.
💬 In His Own Words (From Poems & Teachings):
“I come from the primordial emptiness, Walking wind, treading clouds, Planting the dream of an awakened family, Cultivating cosmic principles in the heart.”
“Do not seek wondrous visions in meditation— Find emptiness in ploughing and reading.”
✅ Conclusion: A Path for Today
Long Yin (龍隱先生) is not calling for a return to the past—but for awakening the “Great Ru” within. Whether you’re a student, artist, entrepreneur, or farmer, his teachings offer tools to:
- Live with purpose outside industrial-consumer systems.
- Transform daily routines into profound practice.
- Become a resilient node in your community’s network.
This is Dao made practical—a way to be fully human in a fragmented world.
Let me know if you’d like a guide to start practicing these principles today.