Once greed and selfishness dominate a man’s mind, his previously steel-like nature will become soft and weak; his intelligence will become blocked and dulled; his benevolent nature will become vicious; his pure spirit will become muddied; and the virtue he has accumulated over a lifetime will become dissipated.
That is why the ancients regarded “Be not covetous” as a precious precept for self-improvement. It was thus that they managed to overcome greed for material things and enjoyed peace and security throughout their lives.
人只一念私贪，便销刚为柔、塞智为昏、变恩为惨、染洁为污，坏了一生人品。故古人以不贪为宝，所以度越一世。
Notes
The destructive power of greed upon human nature creates a “chain reaction”—beginning subtly but ending in utter ruin.
A “selfless heart” is the foundation for preserving the radiance of humanity, lifting one above the corruption of the mundane world.
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