The literal meaning of "microcosm" (the microscopic realm) typically refers to domains that are invisible to the naked eye and require precision instruments, such as microscopes, to observe. It generally encompasses the study of molecules, atoms, atomic nuclei, and elementary particles.

In common usage, we see terms like "micro-state" or "microscopic view." Within these micro-states, the reality of cells, protons, electrons, and tiny particles is fundamentally different from what we perceive with our physical eyes.

All phenomena in our world—from the hardness of a physical object to the metabolism of life—originate from the arrangement and movement of microscopic particles. This implies that the key to solving macro-scale problems is often hidden within micro-scale details. The order of the microscopic world is incredibly precise; a tiny deviation at the micro-level can lead to a massive catastrophe at the macro-level. This teaches us that details determine success or failure: a microscopic thought of kindness or malice, once amplified through various layers, can determine the direction of one's destiny. A slight deviation at a higher level can result in being "thousands of miles" off at the lower levels. No matter how grand one's ambitions, one must remain mindful of the smallest details.

Measuring the Microcosm with Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance Observing the Microcosm through Truthfulness (Zhen): True "Truth" is often hidden within the microscopic. In the microcosm, Truth manifests as absolute law. Every atom and every speck of dust strictly follows the laws of the universe. This uncompromising, non-artificial operation is the very foundation of cosmic stability.

Observing the Microcosm through Compassion (Shan): What truly changes the world is often the "invisible" Compassion. If microscopic particles were filled with mutual repulsion and disorder, life and matter would fail to cohere. This mutual assistance, symbiosis, and order at the microscopic level are the physical manifestations of "Compassion" in the composition of matter. It is because of this Compassion that microscopic matter can harmonize into larger structures, eventually forming the world visible to our eyes and beyond.

Observing the Microcosm through Forbearance (Ren): To maintain the form of macro-objects, microscopic particles exist in a state of long-term self-restraint. This self-control exists to achieve a "greater existence," such as a life or a galaxy. This is the microscopic expression of "Forbearance" and mercy.

The Infinite Layers of Existence The microscopic realm is also home to its own forms of life. Shakyamuni Buddha once taught that within a single grain of sand, there are "three thousand great thousand worlds." When we look up at the starry sky, the Earth carries us in an eternal dance around the sun through the vast vacuum; when we look down at a speck of dust, electrons revolve around atomic nuclei in a nearly identical fashion.

Whether at the scale of quarks or the scale of galaxies, physical constants—such as the Planck constant or the gravitational constant—exhibit a startling uniformity. This is not merely a physical coincidence; it is the most profound expression of the laws of the universe.

Note: I am sharing these surface-level meanings and personal inspirations because I encountered the term "microcosm" in an extremely precious book. To understand the deeper inner meanings, one must read the original text in its entirety.