White sun: the eight virtues

The number eight is very important to the Chinese and the eight virtues explain why when a person follows the eight virtues, he will be very lucky or lucky. The pronunciations of “eight” and “prosperity” in Chinese are almost the same and, traditionally, for spiritual Chinese people, they are connected with The Eight Virtues. Coincidentally, the eight virtues are also closely linked to the teachings of Buddhism on its eightfold straight paths. The 8 virtues follow the rank of importance below:

1]Filial piety – Filial piety is the most important virtue among the eight virtues and is the origin of all good deeds. Without filial mercy, it is like a tree without roots or water without origin. Charity begins at home and this is true. If a person cannot be good to their parents, then most likely all the other good things they have done are not real or have ulterior motives. Devotees of the Tao are always asked if they have the filial heart of “Zeng-Zi” (disciple of Confucius, famous for his filial piety. Zeng-Zi is one of the four Confucian saints and author of the Confucian classic Da-Xue ‘ The Great Learning ‘around 500 BC).

2]Brotherhood: it is the kind of care and concern that is found between the brothers. They are raised under the same roof and have been through many experiences together, be it hardship or happiness. Therefore, siblings are closely related just like our hands and legs. The older is generous and forgiving, the younger is persevering, then there will be brotherly love and the family will be harmonious and prosperous.

3]Loyalty: when we carry out any task, we must be truthful and sincere. The task must be rational and legal. We must do our best to complete the task and be impartial. There should be no false statement when we are reporting or speaking. In being fair, we are not afraid of people seeing what we are doing. We do not do anything dishonorable to be upright and honorable. We are said to be loyal when we are able to confront God or Deities, country and society, parents and spouse with a guilt-free conscience.

4]Trust: the word “trust” means to have faith in the words or character of another person. The success or failure of a company or career is also based on trust. There is a saying: “A word once said cannot be withdrawn.” This means that what is said cannot be unsaid. If we want to earn trust and respect, then we must keep our promise to others and be serious in the performance of our duties. There must also be unity between word and action. With these, trust will prevail.

5]Etiquette: it is the demonstration of a refined and courteous mannerism. If we are rude, we degrade ourselves and also lose the respect of others. Our status and personality can be expressed through courtesy. The one who is courteous is more likely to be modest and upright, courteous to the older and benevolent to the younger. If we treat others politely, others will treat us in the same way. We will do nothing to offend public decency. Confucius said: “Do not see evil, do not hear evil, do not say evil and do not do evil.” By observing these four don’ts, etiquette will prevail. Without him, this world will be in total disarray. Therefore, we must be conscientious in our behavior and, at the same time, show respect and love for others. In this way we will have a healthy and healthy character.

6]Justice – It is the act of being fair and upright. In everything we do, our actions must always be in accordance with our conscience. Although there are temptations all around us, we must remain steadfast in our principles. Everything that is desired must be obtained through the correct course. If we gain unscrupulous wealth by harming others to benefit ourselves, retribution will come to us sooner or later. Therefore, a superior man does not long for ill-gotten riches, but is generous in helping the needy and alleviating the afflicted. You will not only be respected by the people, but you will also honor your ancestors and set a good example for your descendants.

7]Integrity – It means being pure and upright in our actions. A person of integrity does not have selfish desires or bad thoughts. He does not do things that go against his conscience. He is honest with friends and is a responsible person. When it comes to money, he is conscientious and meticulous. He does not indulge in sensual pleasures and is an upright gentleman. Therefore, to maintain integrity, we must exercise greater self-discipline.

8]Shame: everyone has a sense of shame. A person who understands shame will be honest and fair in their endeavors. If a person does not know about shame, they most likely do not have a righteous mind and actions. We have to be vigilant in our speech, action, and thoughts to avoid depravity. We must avoid doing things that might arouse suspicion, thus creating disgrace and shame and ultimately ruining the family’s reputation.

Our thoughts are the seed of good or bad fortune; then we must rectify them according to the Eight Virtues if they are wrong. If we lose our humanity, we are actually no better than animals. Filial piety and brotherhood are the foundation of humanity and must first be practiced by cultivators. If we are filial and obedient, the deities and people around us will respect us. God and the saints will be happy when the other virtues are practiced and there will be no evil or crime.

On the first virtue, my heavenly master JiGong said: “When a mother raises a son or daughter, she would never consider what the child can give her in the future before offering her care. Since she gave birth to him, she only knows love and care for him. She also clearly understands that he may disappoint her when she grows up, but still misses and cares for him, to the point of taking his guilt and dying for him.for him without resentment and without regret, this is the heart of a mother , and this is exactly the heart of Buddha. “

Author: TA Chew

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