Universal Brotherhood Path – March 1901

CHINESE WISDOM — Confucian Analects

"If a superior man abandon virtue, how can he fulfill the requirements of that name?

"The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.

"Is any one able for one day to apply his strength to virtue? I have not seen the case in which his strength would be insufficient.

"A scholar, whose mind is set on truth, and who is ashamed of bad clothes and bad food, is not fit to be discoursed with.

"The superior man, in the world, does not set his mind either for anything, or against anything: what is right he will follow.

"The superior man thinks of virtue; the small man thinks of comfort. The superior man thinks of the sanctions of law; the small man thinks of favors which he may receive.

"A man should say, I am not concerned that I have no place, I am concerned how I may fit myself for one. I am not concerned that I am not known, I seek to be worthy to be known.

"The Master said: 'My doctrine is that of an all pervading unity.'

"The Master went out, and the other disciples asked, saying: 'What do his words mean?' Isang said: 'The doctrine of our Master is to be true to the principles of our nature and the benevolent exercise of them to others — this and nothing more.'



Theosophical University Press Online Edition