Self-Reflection
24. Confucius said: “While a man could enhance the Great Way, the Great Way could not enhance him.” Hence, a ruler is the decisive factor that will determine whether peace or disorder can prevail in a country, and it is not a fate that cannot be changed.
Scroll 17: Han Shu, Vol. 5
25. Zilu asked Confucius what constituted a man of noble character (Junzi). Confucius said: “By cultivating respectfulness in all our speech and actions, we can be deemed a man of noble character.” “And is that all?” asked Zilu. Confucius replied: “He cultivates himself so he could bring peace and happiness to the people. Cultivating oneself to bring peace and happiness to the people is something that even emperors Yao and Shun found difficult to accomplish.”
Scroll 9: Lun Yu
26. A ruler is like the heart of a nation. Tus, when the heart is at ease the whole body will function properly, but when the heart is uneasy, all the bodily functions will be disrupted.
Scroll 41: Huai Nan Zi
27. When unhealthy social trends are rampant, a ruler should work on transforming the nation. When the country is declining, a ruler should work on transforming the ruling administration. When the ruling administration is inefficient, a ruler should reshuffle his administration and substitute incompetent ministers with capable ones. If the ministers are corrupted, a ruler should rely on his wisdom and morality. To be an efficient administrator, the ruler should first regulate his mindset and mentality. So, the closer he arrives at the core of the problems, the better accomplishments he would attain. King Yu of the Xia dynasty and King Tang of the Shang dynasty used to reflect and correct their inadequacies, and thus the two dynasties flourished swiftly and enjoyed reigns of prosperity as a result of the regulation of the right mindset.
Scroll 49: Fu Zi
28. If a person shows no sense of empathy, he would treat others like dirt. If he treats others the way he treats himself, there is no reason why he would not make the populace feel at ease. Ancient wise rulers were well aware that the mindset plays a key role in all matters, and that unrestrained behaviors would bring instability to the country. Therefore every ruler should first regulate his mindset and adopt the right mentality in everything he does. By exemplifying an ideal role model, the people would emulate his virtues and thus revert to their innate kindness. Are these requirements unapproachable, as they are all about regulating the mindset?
Scroll 49: Fu Zi
29. If a ruler could show respect to the elderly, the people will emulate his virtues by observing and promoting filial piety. If a ruler could show respect to his seniors, the people will emulate his virtues and learn to be caring. If he helps the weak and needy with compassion, the people will not forsake each other. If we dislike the manner our seniors treat us, we should not do the same to our subordinates. If we dislike the manner our subordinates treat us, we should not do the same to our seniors.
Scroll 7: Li J
30. Through the benevolent reigns of emperors Yao and Shun, the people emulated their virtues and grew compassionate. When kings Jie and Zhou ruled with brutality, the people emulated their corrupted ways and grew violent and immoral.
Scroll 7: Li Ji
31. The people would naturally observe and emulate the conduct of those in higher authority. If the people do things that the authorities forbid, they will be penalized and everyone will heed this as a warning. But if members of the public are found guilty of violating the same law that the authorities used to defy, are the offenders punishable by law, as they are only trying to do what their authorities are doing?
Scroll 5: Chun Qiu Zuo Shi Zhuan, Vol. 2
32. Confucius said: “To carry your dislike of an immoral man to the extreme will push him to rebel instantly.” Thus when there is a civilian rebellion, the government should reflect upon its administrative policies, and the head of government should reflect on his shortcomings that led to the failing of the administration. When the conduct and policies of a leader are properly regulated, there will be peace and stability in the country. Terefore, a man of noble character (Junzi) would compliment kind people while empathizing with those who refrain from doing kind deeds, besides giving counseling to prisoners and helping the needy. He is overjoyed when given an opportunity to serve, but would be deeply saddened if he has no alternative but to carry out punishments.
Scroll 42: Yan Tie Lun
33. Heaven is the guardian of all things while the ruler is the protector of all things. If a sentient being is deprived of heaven’s bounties, heaven would deem this as an inadequacy. If a civilian is deprived of the ruler’s bounties, this is deemed a disgrace in the eyes of the ruler.
Scroll 47: Zheng Yao Lun
34. According to the book of Xiang Zhuan, the oracle of Jian 蹇 symbolized water on the mountain flows in sweeping meanders down steep, inaccessible mountains, making our journey extremely difcult. When a man of noble character (Junzi) reads this he should turn his attention to himself and cultivate his character. Te book of Tuan Zhuan said: “Te oracle of Jian 蹇3, implies obstructions, dangers ahead. In such a situation it is wise to take a break in view of the danger.”
Scroll 1: Zhou Yi
35. We should cultivate our own character instead of putting the blame on others. In this way we can keep misfortunes at bay.
Scroll 4: Chun Qiu Zuo Shi Zhuan, Vol. 1