1.2 Three things to reflect daily

曾子曰、吾日三省吾身、為人謀、而不忠乎、與朋友交、而不信乎、傳不習乎。

The philosopher Zeng [Tsang] said, ‘I daily examine myself on three points:– whether, in transacting business for others, I may have been not faithful;– whether, in intercourse with friends, I may have been not sincere;– whether I may have not mastered and practised the instructions of my teacher.’

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Discussion:

This week we start exploring what Confucius has to say on what to expect of our own self.

Philosopher Zeng, a famous student of Confucius who wrote the classic University, recommends daily reflection on three areas:  Faithfulness (on business), Sincerity (with friends), and Practice and Mastery (of Confucius teachings).  In this modern world of abundance information and rapid pace, people are getting more difficult to find time to reflect.  A regular time and space for quiet and peace is therefore very beneficial.  At the end of the day, find 15 minutes, sit, reflect, and process.  Have we been faithful?  been sincere? been practicing what i have learnt?