Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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The Book of Odes says:“When Yin had not yet lost the people’s support, it was worthy to serve Heaven.Take Yin as a mirror – Heaven’s great mandate is not easily retained.”
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Mencius said: “If the ruler is benevolent, all will be benevolent; if the ruler is righteous, all will be righteous.”
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7.36 The Master said, “Just as lavishness leads easily to presumption, so does frugality to meanness. But meanness is a far less serious fault than presumption.”
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6.24A single change could bring Qi to the level of Lu; and a single change would bring Lu to Dao.
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4.12 The Master said, “Those whose measures are dictated by mere expediency will arouse continual discontent.”
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3.15 When the Master entered the Grand Temple he asked questions about everything there. Someone said, “Do not tell me that this son of a villager from Zou is expert in matters of ritual. When he went to the Grand Temple, he had to ask about everything.”
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Master You said, “In the usages of ritual it is harmony that is prized. In the ways prescribed by the ancient kings, this is the excellent quality, and in things small and great people follow them. But there are times when it does not work: if harmony is blindly pursued without regulation by the…
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Human relationships are fickle and the road of life is full of ups and downs.
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In violent winds and raging storms, birds grow anxious and distressed;under clear skies and gentle breezes, plants and trees flourish with joy.Thus, we see that Heaven and Earth cannot go a single day without harmony,nor can the human heart go a single day without joy.