Confucius Analects – People have different paths
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.’
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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.
With regard to respecting the choices of others….is Confucius also warning us… per the Cheyenne proverb…to “Never criticize your neighbor until you have walked two moons [for two months] in his moccasins”?
Yes, this call for stop interfering with other’s business one not in a position to, is laid out in later chapters where Confucius address wisdom in the work place. Your observation is also in-line with the Daoist notion of surrendering personal judgement, and to embrace and flow.
Confucius, due to the observation of the lack of moral behavior in the country during his lifetime, calls for the adherence to a clearer set of standards, like that described in the Superior Man. This is useful and perhaps essential for people who have no idea what right/wrong, good/bad is for themselves and for all. Personal Judgement based on a rigid right/wrong good/bad then, can be seen as a set of guidelines that help us in the beginning, but to be replaced by more mature and pervasive wisdom and discernment as one evolved.
Should you never criticize? I would say it depends on your intention. Does it come from personal pride or other negative emotions? or does it come from experience and mature sharing? What should i do, or not do to serve the higher good of all concerned?
Thank-you for the added insights…