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Caigentan 23. Balancing reproof and encouragement
When censuring someone for his faults , do not be too severe; consider the other’s level of tolerance.
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Caigentan 22. The alchemy of dynamic stillness
A man fond of movement is like lightning flashing through the clouds, ephemeral. He flickers like a candle flame in the wind. On the other hand, a man devoted to quietude is like dead ashes or a blighted tree stump, bereft of all vitality.
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Caigentan 21. The hearth as temple
Real faith and genuine rules of conduct can be found in the home and in everyday life.
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Caigentan 20. The art of strategic reserve
Whatever I do, I leave some part of it unfinished; that way the Creator will not frown on me and the ghosts and spirits will not be able to harm me.
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Caigentan 19. Shared glory, assumed blame
When your good reputation goes hand in hand with your high morals, you should not treat these achievements exclusively as your own, but share them with others. That way you preserve yourself from distant dangers. Shameful conduct and unsavoury reputation should not be foisted off entirely onto others, but some should be taken on…
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Caigentan 18. Arrogance undoes glory, Repentance redeems sin
No matter how earth-shaking one’s achievements, self-conceit will cancel them out. No matter how horrendous one’s sins, repentance will atone for them.