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When sleeping, he did not lie stiffly like a corpse; when at home, he was relaxed and unpretentious. Yet whenever he saw someone in mourning dress – even if they were close friends – he would always change his expression to one of solemnity. When encountering someone wearing a ceremonial cap or a blind…
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When Confucius entered the ducal gate, he bowed deeply as if there were no room for him. He never stood in the center of the doorway, nor did he step on the threshold. Passing by the ruler’s seat, his expression instantly became solemn, his steps quickened, and his speech grew hushed, as though he…
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Next comes “attending to particulars”.Through focused sincerity in specific matters, one attains sincerity;sincerity becomes manifest;manifestation becomes evident;evidence becomes luminous;luminosity moves others;movement brings transformation;transformation leads to full moral transformation.Only the supremely sincere person under heaven can achieve this transformative power.
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Mencius said: “The difference between humans and birds or beasts is extremely slight – just a tiny bit. Ordinary people tend to lose this small distinction, while noble persons preserve it. Shun understood the principles of all things and clearly discerned human relationships. He acted from benevolence and righteousness, not merely performing benevolence and…
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Mencius said: “A truly noble person is one who has not lost the heart of a newborn child.”
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5.27 The Master said, “In vain have I looked for a single man capable of seeing his own faults and bringing the charge home against himself.”
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4.14 The Master said, “He does not mind not being in office; all he minds about is whether he has qualities that entitle him to office. He does not mind failing to get recognition; he is too busy doing the things that entitle him to recognition.”
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If you muse on the flavor of food after you have eaten your fill, the feeling of relishing different flavors vanishes.
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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.