Xu Wugui (2)

1 During the last audience, Xu Wugui had given Marquis Wu a very great impression. Marquis Wu missed the joyful moment very much. However, since he bustled in the state affairs and Xu Wugui practiced in the mountain side, and had no opportunity to visit the capital, so they didn’t meet each other for more than ten years. Marquis Wu couldn’t help missing Xu Wugui, so he ordered Nvshang to invite Xu Wugui. By Nvshang’s insistence, Xu Wugui finally agreed following Nvshang to see Marquis Wu in the capital again.

2 On the day, Marquis Wu feasted his distinguished guest – Xu Wugui in the palace. When all people sat down, Marquis Wu told Xu Wugui, “You had left me in the capital and had not seen me for years. You alone live a bitter life in the wild and remote place. To me it is totally unnecessary. Why not move and stay here in the capital with me. We are getting older and older. There are not many years left for us. Let’s enjoy the rest of time and don’t torture ourselves anymore. Desert your stinking regulations of practice and taste the gourmet food by my chef. I, an old fellow, also put aside the busy works to enjoy the fortune as the king should have.”

3 Before Marquis Wu’s great fondness, Xu Wugui was on more sober reflection and said, “I grew up in the poor countryside and got accustomed to the simple diet. I dare not lust for your gourmet food. Today, I am here for the same purpose as last time, to resolve your problems.”

4 Marquis Wu’s enthusiasm was put down. His smile faded out and an awkward countenance showed on his face. He asked, “What do you mean? What are my problems that you want to resolve?”

5 Xu Wugui replied, “They are the problems about your spirit and physique.”

6 The marquis became serious and asked, “What does it mean?”

7 Xu Wugui said, “Nature takes care of all things, not discriminating the common people from empire. So the people of high position should not regard themselves higher than others. The common people on the streets and countryside should not regard themselves lower than others. As an empire, he doesn’t care for people and focuses his attentions just on how to covet for self comfort and coziness, which heaven will not agree on.

8 Heaven favors kindness and hates tricks and selfishness. Those people who have many tricks are uneasy in their mind and are apt to get ill. Now I come here for curing your disease. Do you feel indisposed recently?”

9 Marquis Wu felt admired for Xu Wugui accurately pointed his illness in such a short time. Recently he always felt indisposed; however, the doctor couldn’t diagnose his disease. He had taken a lot of drugs but nothing improved.

10 Admiration in mind, Marquis Wu became very humble in manner. Lowering his head, he whispered, “I long for you for a long time. I do know that only you can cure me. I tried to invite you times but either I was busy or you were disinclined. What did you do? Meditation? Retreat? Does each retreat need several months? Well, today you finally come. Please diagnose my illness carefully. As long as I could recover, I would like to do anything. Look. From today, I will carry out the policy of loving and comforting people, and I will cease war to make people repose and focus my attention on developing economy. Is it helpful?”

11 Shaking his head, Xu Wuigui said in soft voice, “With such attitude, you can’t reach the goal to cease war for righteousness. When you treat your people with love, you start to hurt them; when you make a decision to cease war for righteousness, you actually start to rearm.

12 A proud and solemn slogan just is a tool for doing evil. Though your starting point is righteousness and benevolence, what you finally do is hypocritical.

13 Material can’t be changed, it always is material; achievement definitely will bring pride at the end of day. With the changing situation that enemy gets weak and you get strong, a war must break out.

14 If you really have intention to cease war, I suggest you not to parade on Liqiao Building, not to show off your troop in Zitan Palace, not to pillage wealth and don’t gain extra advantage by tricks, tactics and force.

15 You may consider that for your selfish interest and desire, is it worthy to slay people of other country and occupy their land? Does victory of this kind really bring happy and proud to you?

16 We verily should cease these actions and turn to pursue the inner happiness, satisfaction and joy. Give a full play to self-nature, Buddha-nature, Qi, calmness and refinement without disturbance.

17 If an empire can do so, people are safe and free from the damage of war. You don’t need to repeat the slogan of ceasing war, do you? ”