Do what I do
Zhao Pingguang
Zeng Guofan, a chancellor of the late Qing Dynasty, wrote in his family letter: "The food is not good, the poor are passed, and the heavens are the masters; and the plunder is decided by the people." If the essence of karma is not refined, it is up to me to decide. However, I have not seen the karmic fruit and the one who is not allowed to eat in the end is also. If the peasants and fruits are cultivated vigorously, although there is hunger, there will be a good year; although there is a stagnation in the accumulation of goods, there will be a general time; the fruits of the fruit can refine their business, and they will not be able to be famous in the end. ”
The Book of Zeng Guofan
This is what Zeng Guofan wrote in his letter to the four brothers, instructing the brothers to do a good job of being the master of me, that is, the scholar should be the essence of the pursuit of karma, "never do it at the same time."
Zeng Guofan's view reflects the reflection on the interaction between individuals and society. For individuals in society, although individuals can make some influences, they cannot be the masters of poverty, the seizure of heaven, people and other external factors. What can be the master is the work that the individual specializes in. If you always work hard and work hard in a place, you will have a good year, a time, and a name.
This kind of thinking about the individual and society is also the embodiment of the relationship between the inner and the outer, which comes from the introspective Chinese culture. Mr. Liang Shuming concluded: "The biggest feature of Chinese life is that he always exerts force inward, which is the opposite of the Westerners who always push outward." If something is not achieved, and there is no way to do it, then ask for yourself. Confucius Ziyun: "See the wise and think together, see the unwise and introspect within." "Introspection is one of the important spirits of Chinese culture, and it can even be said that Chinese culture is introspective." If I want to be kind, then I will be kind. "Only through self-reflection can we realize ourselves, act on ourselves, unite our knowledge and deeds, and truly do what is in charge of me."
Mr. Liang Shuming
The key to self-reflection lies in the recognition and grasp of the "Taoist mind" of the inner positive forces and the "human heart" of the fallen forces. The Shang Shu Da Yu Mo has a cloud: "The human heart is only in danger, and the Tao's heart is small; but the essence is the only one, and it is allowed to be in the middle." Greed, selfishness, narrow-mindedness, etc. are dangerous human hearts that must be controlled; right and wrong, compassion, shame, etc. are subtle Taoist minds that must be maintained. In the face of adversity but without a violent heart, in a good situation but without laziness. Only by being refined and single-minded can we maintain the middle way and achieve the state of perfection. Specific to the individual, it is to be able to get on the big stage, do a big career, have great wisdom, and realize the greatest self-worth.
The epidemic must be prevented, the economy must be stabilized, and the development must be safe
To do a good job of being in charge of me is self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-action in order to realize self-worth. This is not only a discussion of individuals, but also a reflection on society and the state. At present, the complexity and uncertainty of social development have increased, and different social subjects are facing risks and challenges at different levels. The country is to the world as the individual is to the society, especially it is necessary to do a good job of doing what is decided by me, focusing on the inward force rather than blindly using force outward, and avoiding losing oneself in the changing situation, so as to have the concentration of Tarzan collapsing in front of the face and not changing the color of the face and the access of the willows after the mountains and rivers are restored.
The author is a research assistant at the Institute of Cultural and Creative Development of Tsinghua University, and the article was originally published on the WeChat public account of the "China Cultural Exchange Association".