The Analects of Confucius continues to be savored by thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of searchers and seekers. Gentle reader, if you have been following my blog postings you know that I am one of those. Once again, I will share a few of the admonitions that have been attributed to Confucius. The following come from BOOK V. KUNG-YE CH’ANG.
At first, my way with men was to hear their words, and give them credit for their conduct. Now my way is to hear their words, and look at their conduct. It is from Yu that I have learned to make this change.
The Master said, ‘I have not seen a firm and unbending man.’ Some one replied, ‘There is Shan Ch’ang.’ ‘Ch’ang,’ said the Master, ‘is under the influence of his passions; how can he be pronounced firm and unbending?’
Tsze-kung said, ‘What I do not wish men to do to me, I also wish not to do to men.’ The Master said, ‘Tsze, you have not attained to that.’
Tsze-kung asked, ‘On what ground did Kung-wan get that title of Wan?’ The Master said, ‘He was of an active nature and yet fond of learning, and he was not ashamed to ask and learn of his inferiors! — On these grounds he has been syled Wan.’
The Master said of Tsze-ch’an that he had four of the characteristics of a superior man: — in his conduct of himself, he was humble; in serving his superiors, he was respectful; in nourishing the people, he was kind; in ordering the people, he was just.’
Yen Yuan and Chi Lu being by his side, the Master said to them, ‘Come, let each of you tell his wishes. Tsze-lu said, ‘I should like, having chariots and horses, and light fur dresses, to share them with my friends, and though they should spoil them, I would not be displeased.’ Then Yen Yuan said, ‘I should like not to boast of my excellence, nor to make a display of my meritorious deeds.’ Tsze-lu then said, ‘I should like, sir, to hear your wishes.’ The Master said, ‘They are, in regard to the aged, to give them rest; in regard to friends, to show them sincerity; in regard to the young, to treat them tenderly.’
Searcher-Seeker 
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