Author: SL Lee
Date: 03-29-09 06:58
There are some very ancient Chinese proverbs that are much more useful than illusive blind faith.
1. 商汤 盆銘： 苟日新，日日新，又日新
The King of Shang dynasty engraved the following on his washing basin, so he could read it daily:
"Renew everyday, renew everyday, renew again everyday."
2. 《周易》：“天行健，君子以自强不息”（乾卦）
《周易》：“地势坤，君子以厚德载物”（坤卦）
In the Book of Change:
"Qian" symbolizes the celestial bodies, revolving forever, without rest.
"Kun" symbolizes the mother earth, all encompassing with kindness.
3. 《詩經·大雅·文王》： 周雖舊邦，其命維新。
"Zhou is an old nation, its fate depends on continual renewal. "
4. "子子孫孫萬年永保用。“
"Created with long-lasting value to be treasured by generations to come." This is engraved on almost every bronze vessel 2500 years ago.
5. "大學之道：在明明德，在親民，在止於至善。“
"The purpose of higher learning is to examine Nature objectively, to be with the people, and to achieve perfection."
6. "仁者不忧，智者不惑，勇者不惧"
"The kind has no worry. The wise has no illusion. The brave has no fear." Those who knows the way of Nature has no illusion, no pre-conception, no pretension, no hypocrisy, no short-sightedness, and no prejudice.
It is this kind of philosophy that guides China for an uninterrupted civilization for 10,000 years. The first 5000 we don't have any written record. However, what was written down after the writing system was developed had to be there already for some time.
The cultural force of a civilization depends on its willingness to examine and re-examine the self. The only constant thing in this world is change, change for the better.
--------------
SL Lee
|
|
The Asiawind forums are provided to you by
InTechTra Inc.
