Art, Meaning, Green Living & Health

Healing Conflict in our World: The Wisdom of Confucius

11/19/2018 9:52:23 AM

Both at the international and local level we all encounter challenges that call us to respond. When someone hurts or threatens us, for example, it can be a dilemma as to how to respond. Much like Jesus's Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you), the great Chinese sage Confucius, speaks wisely and clearly and in detail about the best way to respond. Each of these timelss sayings would be worthy of printing out and posting where we can see them often:

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.

 

Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.

Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.

 

To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.

When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

 

Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.

 

Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.

 

Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.

 

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

 

A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it, is committing another mistake.

 

Tsze-Kung asked, saying, 'Is there one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one's life?" The Master said, "Is not Reciprocity such a word? What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others."

 

Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.

 

Do not be desirous of having things done quickly. Do not look at small advantages. Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly.

 

Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.