Gengsang Chu (8)

1 A man of perfect practice thinks that the worldly etiquette, righteousness, intelligence, benevolence and trust are artificial codes of conduct which are made for maintaining the stability, peace and easy ruling of the society.

2 They, in principle, have nothing to do with self-nature, Buddha-nature, Qi, calmness and refinement. So, we take them as reference only. They are just the method for us to following the local customs. We should not insist that they are unchangeable behavioral standards.

3 In order to follow the led and arrangement of self-nature, Buddha-nature, Qi, calmness and refinement in facing some important principle and pinch moment, we are allowed to give up the worldly behavioral standards, if those two are against each others.

4 For example, when we step on a stranger’s foot, we must say sorry and bow many times for apology.

5 If we step on our brother’s foot, we just murmur sorry and give a gesture to show our apology.

6 If we step on our parent’s foot, we just look back with an understanding smile. If stepping on our parent’s foot and then bowing many times for apology, it is unreasonable and we regard them as outsiders.

7 So, the same action causes various responses. If you are stiff to abide by the traditional codes of conduct, you will not fit the environment.

8 A man of perfect practice conduct in terms of Tao. At that time his etiquette is conducted on people; no matter they are strangers or relatives.

9 Also, he abides by rule of righteousness; however, his righteousness is conducted on all things, no matter they are heavy, light, big or small.

10 He is of utmost intelligence; however, the intelligence is not used to play tricks, frame others or figure for his own interest.

11 His mercy releases naturally without difference to each object. A man of perfect practice doesn’t vary his attitude for different time, location, object and interest. He is steady and reliable.