The characteristic "Zhen Shan Ren" ("Truthfulness Compassion Forbearance"), is the highest Buddha Fa of the universe.
Welcome to Ancient Tales of Wisdom, my name is Grace Mann. Today I have two short interrelated tales to share with you: Forbearance Influences the Domineering Person to Become Benevolent and A Brief Discussion on the Chinese Character “Ren” (忍, Forbearance/Tolerance)
Forbearance Influences the Domineering Person to Become Benevolent
Zhang Jin was born in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). He married a Ms. Liu from a rich family. Zhang Jin’s mother was extremely bossy and envious. Three of her previous daughters-in-law had left since they could not tolerate her ill-treatment. Liu was the fourth daughter-in-law. After she moved in with Zhang’s family, her mother-in-law liked her very much. Many people were surprised.
They asked Ms. Liu why her mother-in-law liked her. She answered, “It is just due to obedience. I comply with all her instructions and am not moved by her provocations. Even for matters that do not accord to etiquette or tasks that are considered inappropriate for women to do, I do not shirk them. Afterwards, I seek an opportunity to calmly explain whether it was right or wrong. Quite often my mother-in-law listens to me.”
Ms. Liu waited on her mother-in-law for three years, and in doing so, her mother-in-law mother became benevolent. From then on, the mother never ill-treated her daughter-in-law again.
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Confucius said, "A gentleman is cautious with his words...."
Hello again, my name is Grace Mann, and it is my privilege to bring you another great Ancient Tale of Wisdom – A Gentleman Is Strict with Himself and Tolerant of Others.
In traditional Chinese Culture, being strict with oneself and tolerant of others is one of the principles a gentleman uses to discipline himself and treat others in society. This is a manifestation of a gentleman’s virtue. Being strict with one-self is a noble character trait, encompassing both behaving righteously and improving oneself. Being tolerant of others means having a demeanor of generosity and forgiveness. This includes several components:
Introspection
This means examining one’s thoughts, words and actions according to moral standards. Confucius once said, “A gentleman examines himself while a villain is demanding of others.” One important difference between a gentleman and villain is whether he can examine himself when issues arise.
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Heaven Will Help the Virtuous by Melina Chan
Hong Mai was a well-known writer in China’s Song Dynasty. He once recorded a story about Huang Cong. In the story, Huang did good deeds and was thus protected from trouble.
In the year 1119, during the time of Emperor Huizong, Huang Cong was appointed as the head of Minqing County in what today is Fujian Province. He worshiped gods during his daily life. Although a vegetarian himself, every day he bought a serving of meat for his mother. He was a righteous person with dignity, and was not afraid of power. He did not accept gifts from lower officers, nor did he bribe higher officers to please them. Corrupt officers thus hated him.
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