Confucius Analects – Life towards others (2)
4.5 Learn from superior and mean man
子曰、見賢思齊焉、見不賢而內自省也。
The Master said, ‘When we see men of worth, we should think of equalling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.’
-> same as earlier class – There are teachers everywhere
12.3 Treat others as yourself
己所不欲、勿施於人。
not to do to others as you would not wish done to yourself．
-> treat other nicely as you would treat yourself. Expand kindness from your self only to people around
15.4 Demand oneself, not others
子曰、躬自厚、而薄責於人、則遠怨矣。
The Master said, ‘He who requires much from himself and little from others, will keep himself from being the object of resentment.’
-> even though we hold high standards and strict to ourselve, cultivate acceptance and forgiveness towards other. Try to understand and forgive others when they cannot meet our standards.
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For those who are not living alone in the mountain, we need to cultivate people skills to survive and succeed in the human world. How to look at and interact with others while continuing our path as a student of the Dao? Confucius recommends us to be considerate, understanding, accepting, and forgiving. These are some of the content of benevolence.
To accept and forgive other’s actions towards ourselves… understood…
But what about standing idly by the side while others are treated unfairly?
Does one have the right to judge other’s actions towards others?
When does passiveness or non-attachment to our expectations of how others behave, unintentionally become an act of unkindness?
What does the universe want you to do, or not do?
Does the universe asks you to judge, or not?
What does the universe think?
Are you being passive and not doing what you suppose to do? or,
Are you being arrogant and imposing on others your self righteousness?
Put aside your emotions and opinions, ask humbly, listen, and follow.