king hui of liang watched the cook
1 an ox. up went his hand, down went the knife, cutting it just right with
2 movements. the king praised: "your skill is excellent!"
the cook answered: "i can do it so
3 because i am familiar with the
4 structure of the ox. i see
5 well each and every part of the ox which is no longer a whole ox to me. i have a clear mental picture of where its
6 and main and
7 channels are, and know exactly where to start cutting and how much force is needed."
the cook continued: "the knives of others become blunt after being used for a short time, whereas i have used my knife for 19 years and
8 nearly 1,000 oxen, and it is still as sharp as a new one. however, when i come across a complicated structure, i would be cautious and
9 and dare not be the least
10. i cut swiftly but lightly with great concentration and care.
after hearing this, king hui of liang said: "what you said is wonderful!from you i have learned the way of cultivating my mind and developing my character."
梁惠王看庖丁解牛,手起刀落,动作利索,恰到好处,连声夸奖说:“你的技术真是太好了!”
庖丁答道:“我所以能干得这样利索,是因为熟悉牛的生理结构。现在,我看到的牛已经不是一头全牛了:哪里是关节?哪里有经络?从哪里下刀?需要用多大的力气?我胸中有数,眼前清清楚楚。”
庖丁接着说:“别人的牛刀,用不了多久就会钝掉,而我这把刀已经用了十九年,宰了上千头牛,但是还同新刀一样锋利。不过,如果碰到错综复杂的结构,我还是兢兢业业,丝毫不敢怠慢,动作很快,下刀却很轻,聚精会神,小心翼翼。”
梁惠王听后说:“你说得好极了!我从你这里悟到了修身养性的道理。”