This entry explains Chinese idiom “Da yan bu can”. Derived from Analects and shaped by Zhu Xi’s annotation, it criticizes shameless empty boasting, warning grand claims seldom get backed by real deeds.
Mencius outlines core Confucian cultivation: fully expanding one’s mind reveals inherent good nature, which lets one understand Heaven. Guarding the mind and nurturing nature serves Heaven; steady self-cultivation amid varying life spans fulfills one’s destined mission.
Only the supremely sage person under Heaven possesses:
Confucius traced his teachings back to Yao and Shun,and took Wen and Wu as his models for institutions.Above, he conformed to the rhythms of Heaven’s seasons;below, he followed the patterns of earth, water, and soil.
The Master said:“I can speak of the rites of the Xia dynasty, but the state of Qi provides insufficient evidence.I studied the rites of the Yin dynasty; remnants still exist in the state of Song.I studied the rites of the Zhou dynasty – they are in use today – so I follow the Zhou.”
How great is the Way of the sage!Vast and overflowing – it nurtures all things, soaring up to the utmost heights of Heaven.