TIPOS DE IMPUNIDAD

To sleep on a hard bed, wear metal armor and have no fear of death is the strength of the North. This is where

ordinary people live.

Although one of self-cultivation is a lover of peace, his principles still remain Such a person is strong, inde- pendent and does not take sides in conflicts. When a nation is in order, one of self-cultivation does not need to bend in the face of When a nation is in disorder, his virtue remains constant, even under threat of death. Therefore, he is the strongest of the strong.

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The Balanced One says: “Obscurity or eccentric behavior may draw the attention of others and be remembered for gen- erations to come, but such ways are not for me. Although many people follow the Fundamental Path, they may give up halfway. Neither is this way for me.”

One who cultivates himself follows the Fundamental Path of plain living, avoids social honors, gives up his name and does not regret being and remaining unknown. This is the way of the highly virtuous.

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The path of self-cultivation is broad yet subtle. It can even be put into use in the simple life of a husband and wife. Yet, at its most profound, it cannot be comprehended by the intellectual mind. even of a wise person.

In the vastness of the universe much is unknowable to the human mind. The greatest of things on the path cannot be found in the manifest sphere; the smallest of things on the path are too small to be split by anything in the manifest realm. Between the manifest and unmanifest spheres of the universe, there are numerous levels of beings and things. The path is applicable to all levels.

An ancient ballad says: “Birds fly high in the sky, fish jump in the water. All stay in accordance the Integral Way and thus express the Way in their every movement.”

The path of self-cultivation starts with the ordinariness of human life. Its extensiveness is revealed through everything in the universe.

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The Balanced One says: “Although the path of

is not far people, they believe it is so. Thus, they make it inaccessible to themselves.”

As an ancient ballad says: ‘When using an ax to cut a new handle, the model is at one’s hand, but by looking at it this way and that, it can never appear the same.” One is unaware of his own change.

One of self-cultivation extends his awareness to know people and correct himself. Being honest with oneself and

considerate of others, the Fundamental Path is

As the ancient teaching says: ‘What is not acceptable to me, I will not do to others.”

This should be the fundamental self-discipline of all people.

Note: is not the same as in the of others by “doing

unto others as you would have them do unto you,” which can actually create a negative result.

There are four general guidelines for following the Fundamental Path of self-cultivation. Most people have

achieving even one of them:

One should not expect his sons what he cannot do for his parents.

One should not expect his subordinate what he cannot do for his superior or leader. One should not demand his younger brother or sister what he cannot do for his older brother or sister.

One should not ask from his Ii-iends what he cannot do for them first.

Thus, one of self-cultivation honestly watches one’s own speech and behavior. If inadequacies are discovered in meeting the Fundamental Path, self-discipline is applied. The behavior of the cultivated one matches his speech, and his speech matches his behavior, but this person is not proud of being virtuous. Virtue is just how a person of self-cultivation

Basic Guidelines for Daily 1 8 3

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One of self-cultivation is content with himself and does not look beyond his own position or capabilities.

When one is rich, one adapts to wealth. When one is poor, one adapts to poverty. When one is in a foreign coun- try, one adapts to foreign ways. When one is in trouble, one adapts to One is not ashamed of or troubled by what one is naturally. One does not pretend to be what one is not; instead, one stays on the Fundamental Path of life.

When one is in a high position, one does not suppress subordinates; when in a low position, one does not become attached to those in power as a means of securing unjustified promotions or unearned benefits. One corrects

out complaining or making any demands on others. One does not blame others for not being supportive. nor accuse Heaven of not providing help. One of self-cultivation keeps to what is, and is thus at ease all the time. He knows the appropriate time for change. He is not like those of inferior virtue who like to take chances.

The Balanced One says: ‘The way of self-cultivation is like the art of shooting: if the target is missed, check to see what is wrong with yourself.”

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Self-cultivation resembles beginning a long journey or climbing a mountain. In either case, the trip begins from home or from the base of the mountain.

The ancient ballad says: “In the harmonious life of a family, all members are gathered. This is like the harmony of musical instruments. They get along together and create a happy union.”

The Balanced One says: ‘The parents of this family must indeed feel content!”

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The Balanced One says: “How great is the power and vir- tue of divine beings? One looks but cannot see them. One listens but cannot hear them. They are everywhere, above you and at your left and right. Nothing is excluded from them. They are the true source and reservoir of all that lives. In a subtle way. they allow sensitive people to recognize them. People may acknowledge them by making offerings.”

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The ancient ballad says: ‘The coming of spirits is unpre- dictable.”

One must be careful when performing ceremonies that lead to reconnecting with spirits. How powerful is the sin- cerity of the human mind which causes the subtle to communicate with the manifest!

Note: In the ancient text, the terms “shen” were used.

literal translation of these two characters when used together means

“ghost” and indicates the subtle essence of that

on earthly existence. has own Even

a seed, tt grows, has Nothing lacks subtle essence. It

is the stage of beings, the real source and reservoir of

Since there no real death returns to

Cheng an of the Sung Dynasty (960-l 279 A.D.)

are the potency of the universe, a trace of the process of creation and

Chang another t scholar of the Sung Dynasty,

“Ideally speaking. if we the chi spirits and ghosts.

spirits are the positive potency of yang and ghosts are the inertial potency

of Actually. in the sphere, there only one

chi Something’s expresses tts and nature. are

and silent. are the beginning and end of matter and

emergence of matter and the convergence and

of as either yin or yang. Yin and yang manifest as the subtle essence of matter and life. Nothing in nature can exist them.”

The Developed One says: ‘When generates upward, it becomes Heaven. From this, all things derive their lives, All life gives evidence of spirits; no life can exist without them.”

The world is a place where souls have come for the process of and refinement.

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Sincerity or genuineness is the way of Heaven. To be sincere or genuine is also the way of humanity. With sin- cerity, one can find the Way.

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To be centered on the Way without struggle is to be highly achieved, virtuous and wise.

To be sincere means to choose the right way and stay with it persistently. When one is sincere, one’s mind is clear. When one’s mind is clear, one is naturally sincere.