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.