The fundamental problem of the Pharisees was hypocrisy --- pretending and showing what they were not. Jesus warned us that we could not hide anything, all things will be revealed one day. He reminded us that the Lord would come at a time that surprised us and caught us unprepared. How could we prepare for the sudden appearance? By living truthfully whether anyone is watching or not. By being true to ourselves, by reflecting on our lives often, so that we can continue to develop ourselves. Such teaching is covered well in Chinese Classics using the term 慎独 Cautions even when alone when no one is watching.
Colossians 3:22-24 New International Version 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Lessons:
- #1 All hypocrisy will be exposed. It is better to live truthfully.
- #2 How to develop truthful living? Cautious in Solitude
- 君子- 慎独
a person of virtue - is cautious in solitude.
- 《中庸》
Doctrine of the Mean
- “天命之谓性，率性之谓道，修道之谓教。道也者，不可须臾离也；可离，非道也。
"What Heaven has conferred is called human nature. Following our nature is called the Way. Cultivating the Way is called education. The Way cannot be left for an instant. If it could be left, it would not be the Way.
- 是故君子戒慎乎其所不睹，恐惧乎其所不闻。莫见乎隐，莫显乎微，故君子慎其独也。”
Therefore, the superior man watches his behavior when alone. He is apprehensive over what he does not see and what he does not hear. There is nothing more visible than what is hidden, and nothing more manifest than what is subtle. Therefore, the superior man is cautious when alone."
- 《大学》
Great Learning
- "所谓诚其意者，毋自欺也。如恶恶臭，如好好色，此之谓自谦。故君子必慎其独也。小人闲居为不善，无所不至，见君子而后厌然，掩其不善，而著其善。人之视己，如见其肺肝然，则何益矣。此谓诚于中，形于外，故君子必慎其独也。"
"What is meant by 'making the thoughts sincere' is to not deceive oneself. We dislike foul smells, as we like beautiful colors. This is called self-cultivation for the humility of accepting the truth. Therefore, the virtuous man must be watchful over himself when alone. The petty person, when idle, indulges in wrongdoing without restraint, sparing no effort in their misdeeds. Upon encountering a superior individual, they become ashamed, concealing their faults while flaunting their virtues. If one's self-examination is as thorough as examining one's own organs, what good does it do? This is called sincerity within, manifesting outwardly, hence the superior individual must be cautious in solitude.'"
- #3 Because we are truthful all the time, we are not afraid of being spot-checked. We are well prepared for the sudden appearance of our Master - the Son of God.
- Must be Ready anytime and all the time. Luke 12:35-48
The Master comes at the time you think not.
- Luk 12:43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing (awake, dressed, lamp burning, ready to serve) when he comes.
- Luk 12:40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
- Gemini:君子- 慎独
- 君子 is a Chinese term that refers to a person of good character, virtue, and morality. It is often translated as "gentleman" or "superior man," but it can also be understood as a person of integrity, honor, and compassion.
- 慎独 is a Chinese term that means "to be careful in one's solitude." It is the idea that a person should always be mindful of their behavior, even when they are alone and no one is watching.
- 君子- 慎独
- Together, 君子- 慎独 can be understood as the idea that a person of good character should always be careful in their behavior, even when they are alone. This is because a person's true character is revealed in their actions, even when they are not being observed by others.
- The importance of 慎独
- 慎独 is an important concept in Chinese philosophy because it emphasizes the importance of self-cultivation and personal development. It is the belief that a person can only become a truly good person if they are constantly striving to improve themselves, even when no one is watching.
- How to practice 慎独
- There are many ways to practice 慎独. One way is to be mindful of your thoughts and actions throughout the day. Another way is to set high standards for yourself and to always strive to meet those standards. You can also practice 慎独 by being honest with yourself and by always doing what you know to be right, even when it is difficult.
- The benefits of 慎独
- There are many benefits to practicing 慎独. When you are careful in your behavior, even when you are alone, you become a more trustworthy and reliable person. You also develop a stronger sense of self-discipline and self-control. Additionally, practicing 慎独 can help you to become a more moral and ethical person.
- Conclusion
- 慎独 is an important concept in Chinese philosophy that can help you to become a better person. By practicing 慎独, you can develop a stronger character, become more trustworthy and reliable, and become a more moral and ethical person.
No comments:
Post a Comment