On the Thought and Modern Transformation of Jian in Laozi

The thought of Jian in Laozi has multiple meanings:frugal consumption,simple life,and selfrestricted cultivation,which does not only incarnate the material demand of metaphysical Dao,but also is the necessary way to cultivating oneself and ruling the country." Being unprincipled in knowing and objectless in desires","knowing contentment and where to stop",and "spontaneously so and no coercive action" are the three methods of actualizing the thought of Jian.That has important meaning for restraining consumerism,accelerating the harmony between human being and nature,and promoting the merge of body and spirit.