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Zi Zhang asked how to cultivate virtue and discern confusion. The Master said, “Make loyalty and trustworthiness your foundation, and always align yourself with righteousness—this is how you elevate virtue. As for confusion: when you love someone, you wish him to live; when you hate him, you wish him to die. Now wanting him…
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5.11 The Master said, “I have never yet seen a man who was truly steadfast.”
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When you find that someone has cheated you, do not announce it. When someone insults you, do not let your countenance betray your annoyance.
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Some men claim they are too late in discerning their selfish desires and lack the strength to conquer them.
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As soon as you find your thoughts deflecting to the path of material desires, switch them immediately back to the path of preserving your essential nature.
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The ears can hear flattering sounds; the eyes can be dazzled by silver and gold. These effects are enemies encroaching from without, whereas carnal desires are robbers hidden within.
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If a man’s thoughts are bright and clear, then even if he is in a dark place his heart will be as shiny as daylight.
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A man whose thoughts are magnanimous treats both himself and others with consideration. Then magnanimity is everywhere.
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Although the Universe seems to be at rest, its components are constantly in motion. The sun and moon whirl night and day, and cast ceaseless and eternal beams.