12.07.2015 Views

The Three Principle Texts of Daoism translated by ... - Bad Request

The Three Principle Texts of Daoism translated by ... - Bad Request

The Three Principle Texts of Daoism translated by ... - Bad Request

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

lest he should decline. Truly his talents are perfect, andhis virtue without outward form!"“What do you mean <strong>by</strong> his talents being perfect?" askedthe Duke.“Life and Death," replied Confucius, “existence andnon-existence, success and nonsuccess, poverty andwealth, virtue and vice, good and evil report, hunger andthirst, warmth and cold,--these all revolve upon thechanging wheel <strong>of</strong> Destiny. Day and night they followone upon the other, and no man can say where each onebegins. <strong>The</strong>refore they cannot be allowed to disturb theharmony <strong>of</strong> the organism, nor enter into the soul'sdomain. Swim however with the tide, so as not to <strong>of</strong>fendothers. Do this day <strong>by</strong> day without break, and live inpeace with mankind. Thus you will be ready for allcontingencies, and may be said to have your talentsperfect."“And virtue without outward form; what is that?"“In a water-level," said Confucius, “the water is in amost perfect state <strong>of</strong> repose. Let that be your model.<strong>The</strong> water remains quietly within, and does not overflow.It is from the cultivation <strong>of</strong> such harmony that virtueresults. And if virtue takes no outward form, man willnot be able to keep alo<strong>of</strong> from it."

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!