15.15 People have different paths
子曰、道不同、不相為謀。
The Master said, ‘Those whose courses are different cannot lay plans for one another.’
* * *
Discussion:
Despite of being connected, and sharing the same origin, we come here with different level of consciousness, and for different roles and purposes.
Confucius said it is unrealistic to expect others to understand, therefore it is also difficult for one to lay plan for others given our limited knowledge. All we could do, is to fulfill our roles to the best of our ability, and leave the rest. I.e. be the best parents/kids, bosses/workers, siblings/friends we can, and let go of the desire to self-centered manipulation and interference.
For spiritual students, apart from our worldly roles and responsibility, we see the world as a training ground for self understanding, mastery and transcendence. This is quite different than regular lives that seek gain, stability, and control. Therefore, let go of the desire of other’s understanding , and let go of the desire to control others to follow your way of life.
Respect the choices of others, and let them go their ways (unless you are in a parental and guardian role that requires you to actively involve). If others’ choices are different than yours, acknowledge, understand, wish them well, and continue your own. Harmony is attained through acceptance, which brings compassion, and leads to the Superior Man’s ideal of Harmony in Diversity.
15.15 People have different paths
子曰、道不同、不相為謀。
* * *
讨论：
尽管我们相连系，和来自相同的源头，我们来到这个世界时就有不同意识水平，并有着不同的角色和人生目的。 孔子说，盲目的希望其他人能理解自己是不切实际的，因此，根据有限的知识，是很难去为其他人谋事和安排人生的。 往往，我们可以做的，就是尽我们的能力，去履行我们的角色，而将其他的考虑交给上天。 例如: 做最好的家长/孩子，老板/工人，兄弟姐妹/朋友，做好自己的本分，努力放开自我中心的操纵和干扰。
对于学道的学生而言，除了世俗的角色和责任外，我们看世界为一个人生的训练场，而在这训练场中追求自我认识，掌握和超越。 对比起普通人所追求的谋取私利，稳定和控制，这是完全不同的。 因此，不要苛求别人的理解，和不要强迫其他人也跟你一样的生活。
尊重他人的选择，让他们去用他们的方式去生活（除非你正处于父母或监护人的角色，需要你积极的参与）。 如果他人的选择跟你不同，接受，理解，并祝福他们，而继续自己的。 接纳带来和谐, 带来慈悲，以致君子和而不同的美德。
Leave a Reply