In the Chinese language, the term Zhouzhe (周折) is incredibly vivid.
Zhou (周): Originally meaning "perimeter" or "to cycle back," it represents a circuitous path. It is not a straight line, but a journey that winds and loops like a circle.
Zhe (折): Originally meaning "to break" or "to bend," it signifies a pivot or a change in direction. It suggests that in the course of progress, one encounters shifts, reversals, or sudden interruptions.
On the surface, Zhouzhe refers to the repeated setbacks, complications, and obstacles encountered while trying to accomplish something.
Some things in life are not easily expressed; they require a great deal of Zhouzhe—many twists and turns—to finally be told. Such things should be cherished! Anything that is "won through Zhouzhe" carries with it a thick, profound sense of vitality.
We can understand the value of these complications through the lens of Zhen, Shan, and Ren:
Grounded in Zhen (Truthfulness): Cherishing the "Real Cost" Within the realm of Zhen, all falsehood and opportunism eventually fade away. Only the fruits borne of struggle are authentic. Things obtained too easily often lack a deep causal connection; they come quickly and leave just as fast.
A process filled with Zhouzhe is a genuine exchange—one where you trade your true sweat, time, and wisdom for a result. This "Truth" creates a deep, inseparable bond between the outcome and your very life.
Embracing Shan (Compassion): Cherishing the "Resonance of Mercy" Matters that involve Zhouzhe often touch upon complex environments and human interactions. To view these complications through Shan is to see them as an opportunity for gratitude and altruism.
If a task encounters many twists, it means it has moved many different factors and souls. Its eventual success is not yours alone; it is made possible by the tolerance and cooperation of countless "unseen factors." Cherishing the result is, in essence, a kind response to the forces in the universe that helped fulfill your goal. It is a reverence for Destiny (Yuanfen).
Empowered by Ren (Forbearance): Cherishing the "Crystallization of Will" Ren is the core strength required to navigate Zhouzhe. Something achieved through great effort and many setbacks is the physical manifestation of Forbearance.
Zhouzhe implies long periods of waiting, repeated tempering of the spirit, and sudden, unforeseen changes. To move through this without giving up—to maintain one's inner stillness and resolve—is the ultimate test. The final result is more than just a prize; it is the Merit (Gongde) earned through Ren.
Final Thoughts I am sharing these reflections because the term Zhouzhe was discussed in an extremely precious book. What I have shared here is merely the surface meaning and my personal inspiration; the deeper, more profound inner meanings can only be found by reading the original text in full.
The true weight of Zhouzhe is something that those who have walked the path will deeply understand.