In times of turmoil, humanity's true nature often faces its most profound tests. It is said that chaotic eras serve as the graves of virtue, where the boundaries between right and wrong blur, and the worst aspects of human nature are amplified and distorted. In such troubled times, the very essence of goodness can become ensnared in the web of self-preservation, as the weak-willed find themselves complicit in the deeds of malevolence, much like those individuals in various movements throughout history who perpetrated unspeakable acts against their own compatriots.
Yet, there is an opposing perspective—one that regards chaotic times as crucibles for goodness. These periods of upheaval, it is believed, provide the ultimate test for the purest and noblest aspects of human nature, where steadfast individuals become beacons of light amidst the murkiness, much like the resilient souls who uphold the principles of truth, benevolence, and forbearance in the face of persecution in contemporary China.
In the midst of tumultuous circumstances, where does one's inherent goodness find its course?
Navigating a world at peace might allow for an easier adherence to virtuous principles. However, in times of chaos and upheaval, it is the unyielding and tested goodness that garners divine recognition, offering the potential to change destinies and shape the future.
Tang Taizong, the mightiest emperor of the Tang Dynasty, once wisely remarked, "Reflecting upon history provides insight into the rise and fall of civilizations." In this light, let us explore how revered sages and scholars conducted themselves during tumultuous times and how they perceived the nature of goodness.
Confucius, for instance, experienced a life marked by constant wanderings and hardships as he traversed the various states of the Warring States period, spreading his teachings. However, he was met with skepticism from the ruling class, who questioned the utility of his philosophy in their pursuit of dominance. During one of his most destitute moments, Confucius returned to his homeland of Lu and, while passing through an empty valley, encountered a solitary orchid. This encounter led to the creation of the famous 'Orchid Pavilion Ode,' where he expressed the idea that benevolence and goodness should be the foremost virtues of a noble person. Much like the fragrance of an orchid blooming in a secluded valley, Confucius's unwavering commitment to these values eventually brought about a transformation in the world. Today, the empires of the rulers who doubted him lie buried beneath the sands of history, while Confucius's teachings endure as a foundational pillar of traditional Chinese culture.
When you find yourself toiling diligently on your own path, striving to create content for your channel, and yet the fruits of your labor seem elusive; when you worry that your values, though lofty, may not find acceptance in the common world, may you draw inspiration from Confucius.
Goodness, it is often said, is uncompromising: "Good and evil cannot walk the same path." This principle, famously articulated by the Tang Dynasty scholar Liu Zongyuan, underscores the importance of caring for the suffering and welfare of the common people. Liu penned the renowned 'Essay on the Snake-Catcher,' expressing his concerns for the hardships endured by the populace. Despite his commitment to reform within the established system, Liu faced condemnation and exile, a fate that saw his career obliterated. His professional setbacks, however, fostered a generation of literary giants and luminaries, raising the question of whether the turmoil he faced was a curse or a blessing.
In moments when the hardships and injustices of life threaten to divert your attention from the important work at hand, may you take solace in the example of Liu Zongyuan.
Goodness also embodies a sense of detachment: "The heart is best nurtured through frugality." These words belong to the esteemed philosopher Mencius, whose 'Doctrine of the Mean' forms the foundation for this idea. He asserted that human nature is inherently inclined toward goodness, much like water flows naturally downward. In his view, any departure from this inherent goodness is not a matter of inherent nature but rather a failure to preserve one's original disposition. Perhaps only those who embrace simplicity and cultivate their hearts with detachment can truly fathom the depths of human nature with such boundless compassion.
When you find yourself unable to tolerate the falsehoods and ugliness of the world, when the burden of revulsion weighs heavily on your heart, and when you yearn for a retreat from the world, may you turn to the teachings of Mencius.
Goodness also encompasses tolerance: "Good people inspire goodness in others." This insight comes from Guan Zhong, a prominent statesman of the Spring and Autumn period who served the renowned Duke Huan of Qi. During Guan Zhong's final moments, Duke Huan consulted him about selecting a successor, suggesting that his close friend Bao Shuya be appointed as the prime minister. However, Guan Zhong firmly opposed this suggestion, believing that while Bao Shuya was indeed an exemplary person of great moral character, he was too virtuous and pure to tolerate even the slightest hint of wrongdoing. Guan Zhong invoked the metaphor "Clear water has no fish," emphasizing that true goodness does not judge others but rather reflects inwardly. Those who are overly critical and demanding of the world and its inhabitants can hardly be considered genuinely virtuous and will likely struggle to achieve significant accomplishments in life.
When you frequently find yourself disappointed by the actions of colleagues, friends, and family, struggling to maintain a compassionate outlook, may you reflect on the wisdom of Guan Zhong.
Finally, goodness is entwined with the concept of karma: "Associating with good people cultivates morality; preserving a good heart brings peace to the family; engaging in virtuous deeds leads to prosperity for the descendants." These profound words are attributed to Fang Xiaoru, a Ming Dynasty Confucian scholar renowned for his benevolent nature. Yet, it is lamentable that Fang Xiaoru, due to the ancestral sins of his family, refused to submit when Emperor Zhu Di ascended to the Ming throne, resulting in the annihilation of his entire clan. Zhu Yunming, a Ming Dynasty scholar, recorded this chapter of Fang Xiaoru's family history in his book. According to Zhu's account, Fang Xiaoru's ancestors once exterminated a nest of large pythons during the renovation of a tomb, inadvertently bringing calamity upon their descendants. The 'Ming History' documents that Emperor Zhu Di executed entire clan of Fang Xiaoru's family and imprisoned or exiled thousands more, yet his anger remained unquenched. Astonishingly, the total number of those executed, imprisoned, or exiled matched precisely the number of pythons in the nest. This serves as a stark reminder that the law of karma treats all lives with impartiality, illustrating the universal principles of goodness and justice. Regardless of the brutal hardships Fang Xiaoru faced in his lifetime, his literary and philosophical legacy, like his unwavering integrity, continues to resonate through the ages, a monument to his enduring spirit.
When you witness the suffering and injustices endured by loved ones and friends, when your heart struggles to find solace, and when you begin to question your purpose, may you draw strength from the story of Fang Xiaoru.
I hope that every friend who has a predestined relationship with me can become a force for good in turbulent times, gradually converging into rivers and eventually flowing into the sea, and igniting a prairie fire with a single spark. In conclusion, I'd like to end with a sentence I'm fond of at this moment because it best represents the scene we will witness together in Ganjing world: 'One goodness stains the heart, enduring through countless ages. A hundred lamps shine brightly, illuminating a thousand miles.'"