6月25日

為物立則
明 袁了凡 ( 1533~1606 )

勿以己之長而蓋人，
勿以己之善而形人，
勿以己之多能而困人，
收斂才智，若無若虛；
見人過失，且涵容而掩覆之。
一則令其可改，
一則令其有所顧忌而不敢縱。
見人有微長可取，小善可錄，
翻然捨己而從之，
且為豔稱而廣述之。
凡日用間，發一言，行一事，
全不為自己起念，
全是為物立則。
此大人天下為公之度也。

──選自《了凡四訓》

June 25

Establishing Principles
Yuan Liaofan (1533 - 1606, Ming Dynasty)
English translation: Miao Guang

Never surpass others in what is already your forte, nor
judge others based on your own virtue, or hold others back
with your abilities.

Conceal your talent and wisdom in a way that it is
instinctively absent. In seeing the faults of others, simply
forgive and cover up for them. Either ensure that they
correct themselves, or keep them cautioned so they dare
not repeat the same mistakes again.

Upon seeing any minor merits and virtues in others,
let go of your personal viewpoints and oblige them;
in addition, praise and share their goodness.

In daily life, every word said and every action done
should not be out of one’s accord, but for the establishment
of principles in the world.

Such is how great minds establish a public and common
good for the world.

── from Liaofan Si Xun (Liao Fan's Four Lessons)