366 Days with Wisdom Part 3

March 8

Being receptive to everything when studyingOne will become a great person in the futureBeing open to suggestions when researching,one will be more thoughtful when implementing.

The path of the world is not only about geographical surroundings: other paths include financial, political, inter-relationships, social-networking, knowledge and others. Every path will lead us to our destined position.

If you want to be prosperous, there will be a path to make your fortune. Capital, diligence, good affiliations, accommodating and benefiting others and overcoming difficulties are the paths to making fortune. Banks, employees and skillful means are also your paths. Without these paths you do not have the good condition to make a fortune.

When working a career, you should have a career path. Good affiliates, good products, and good ability to mobilize capable people and good resources are also the paths that lead you to a good career.

When dealing with human relationships, you have to understand the path too. For example, loving words, beneficial actions, charitable contributions, friendship, accommodating others and honesty are the paths that lead us to good social relationships.

You also need a path to get along with your superiors and fellow subordinates in order to have a good

working team. If you can do well with all these things, you are on the right path to achieve success in the future.

Read, Reflect and Act:

We can achieve success if we can access all paths.

March 9

Unity brings harmony, and vice versaSharing the workload requires cooperationand vice versa.

In the universe, only when conditions of earth, water, fire and wind work together, can everything grow well. Similarly, only when the condition for wood, sand and stone are met, can a house be built. There are also various organizations such public-owned corporations, capital sharing corporations, partnerships and multi-national corporations.

In the international arena, there are republics, monarchies, countries, states, and the United Nations. A sand hill is formed through an accumulation of sand and stones. A river or an ocean is formed through an accumulation of water that flows across land and to the ocean. In a united group, one can grow bigger, taller and more accomplished.

It is vital to work together as well as to know how to share the workload. We can manage our tasks well and fulfill our responsibilities by sharing the workload. All workers must understand unity, and thus be able to cooperate with one another as a team.

By sharing the workload and being cooperative, one can establish a kind of unspoken connection among the team players. It is like three-legged race, in which people run in pairs, the right leg of the runner tied to the left leg of the other. Participants run in the unison so that they can make up for each other’s weaknesses.

In our human body, our eyes, ears, nose, tongue perform they functions; these is sharing the workload. When our five fingers form a fist, it signifies cooperation. However, all six senses must work and accordance and freely so that a man can be healthy physically. When it comes to war, there is also strategy called “advancing in separate ways but attacking together.” It means the entire army advances through different routes toward the same target in order to defeat the enemy. That is why we have to cooperate when we work and share the workload fairly.

An organization is well administered when its members can work in cooperation. A person who can share the workload will have a better and wider social network.


Cooperate others without any reservations: share the workload fairly.

March 10

Medicine is neither a good nor bad; it isgood as long as it cures an illness.Dharma is neither good nor bad; it I goodas long as it guides us to the right path.

Both Jiu Fanggao and Bo Le were renowned horse experts in the spring and Autumn Period. Jiu Fanggao was asked by Duke Mu of Qin to help him search for an extremely rare horse. After much effort, Jiu Fanggao finnaly found the best horse he had ever come across and informed Duke Mu of Qin immediately. Duke Mu of Qin inquired about the color and the sex of the horse. Jiu Fanggao replied that it was a yellow stallion.

Duke Mu of Qin then rushed with excitement to see the horse. However, when he saw that it was a black mare, he questioned Jiu Fanggao answered steadily. “Honestly I was not sure if I was a yellow or a black stallion, or mare. But I am very confident that it is a very good horse.” With a doubt, Duke Mu of Qin sent someone to test the horse. The horse indeed galloped very fast and definitely a good horse. When Bo Le knew about it, he praised Jiu Fanggao , “Jiu Fanggao is indeed a horse expert. The only thing he cares about is a good and race horse, not the sex or color of the horse.”

This story tells us that, it is enough to have only one good attribute, even we have only that one good skill. We should not expect other to meet many different demands and condition we set. What is the point of one knowing everything but to be good at nothing?


It is unusual even if we only have one good skill. Do not be a jack of all tracks.

March 11

` It is better to create opportunity for goodcauses and conditionsthan to idle away waiting for them to occur.

Years ago, when someone talked about the efficient administration of a country, they said. “The German will complete a task even before they talk about it; The Japanese will Act while planning; the Chinese will only talk but never act. All of these are attributes of different peoples.” It is like the popular story “The tortoise and the Haze.” The complacent haze was too lazy to run and in the end the tortoise reached the finish line first.

In another example, there were two people. One was a rich man and the other poor. They each consider going on a pilgrimage to a mountain. The rich man thought that since he could quickly complete the trip by driving his car to the mountain he would do it the following year. As a result, he filled his wish. Meanwhile, the poor man accomplished his goal on foot within a year.

It is better to act than merely to talk. These days, people do not want things to be done at a snail’s pace. People care about speed; an airplane, a train or a car has to be fast. Speed represents quality and value. Anything that moves slowly instead of efficiently and quickly will be abandoned eventually regardless of whether it is a person or an object.

Just like setting up a factory or a business, rather than being jealous of how profitable other factories or business are, we should focus on their efficiency. Even Buddhist practitioners should not procrastinate. They need to attain certain accomplishment within a specified time period. In the face of our limited lifetime, we should do everything with efficiency and finesse and not waste our previous time like a centipede putting on shoes.


Anything that is sluggish and slow instead of efficient and quick will be eliminated eventually regardless of the whether it is person or an object.

March 12

Life is like a sailing boat, we should sailon which confidence regardless of place and timeLife is like a battle field, we shouldmarch on with courage regardless of safety or danger.

According to the research of a zoologist, the fierce and strong qualities of eagles are related to their feeding habits. Eagles hatch an average of four to five baby eagles each time but are unable to feed each one equally. The nests are located at very high places, so it is very difficult for the parents to bring food back and forth to their babies. The stronger baby eagles will fight for the food and survive while the weaker one will finally die of hunger. This is why eagles are skillful in killing other creatures for food, have sharp eyesight and are aggressive and strong.

This story tells us that fairness and justice may not always necessarily be the best development principle for an organization. If there is no proper system for removing the old and the inefficient, an organization may lag behind in this development. Just like the theory of evolution, “only the strong one will survive.” An organization will be eliminated if greater attention is given to upholding trivial principles.

Competition is the driving force behind progress. To compete with other people is not about defeating and destroying them but enhancing our own strength through self-awareness, taking the initiative, and self-motivation. For example, if we want to be knowledgeable, we must have cultivation, broad knowledge, foresight and an open mind. Living in the age of globalization, we must learn international languages and have a global view in order to be able to compete internationally.

Read, reflect and Act:

If there is no proper system for eliminating the old and the inefficient, an organization may lag behind in its development.

March 13

Convince others with reasoningRestrain reckless acts with calmnessInfluence the world with sinceritySubdue the enemy with kindness and compassion.

The most successful negotiation is to put oneself in the other’s shoes and consider the good points of the other side. This is because the vast gap between two parties in a negotiation usually arises from different points of view. It is necessary to first eliminate the opposing circumstances between two parties and then reach a mutually beneficial situation by eliminating the gap and he building mutual recognition.

A negotiation is not an accusation. Although there are different stances in a negotiation and sometimes bargaining is involved, the principle of fairness and justice is always essential. In A negotiation, one must involve principles, roles, reasoning and thoughtfulness; otherwise one is not a good negotiator. When negotiating, if both parties are unable to reach a mutual agreement, they can find a mutually acceptable third party for help and postpone the negotiation to another date in order to conduct more thorough research. They could seek an expert with good negotiating skills after looking into the other party’s problems and finding more information. They could then continue the negotiation at a later date.

There must always be a back up plan if negotiating break down or no agreement is researched. There is always room for further negotiation in the future as long as a mutual relationship is maintained.

We have to acknowledge the other party’s strength in a negotiaton. We should not simly attack and criticize the oher party, because it will worsen the situation. If we have made a mistake, we should admit it and make a concression. In short, agood negotiatior can create a win-win situations and a happy ending for both parties involved.


A good negotiator can create a win-win situation and a happy ending for both parties involved in a negotiation

March 14

Good time management brings happiness.Self-enrichment brings knowledge.Self-reliant and self-discipline bringPeace and securitySelf-motivation brings success.

People make plans, sometimes for providing for their family, sometimes for finances. Therefore there are all kinds of ways to plan and measure. Sometimes, even some friends plan tricks against one another, well some make for strategic purposes. In short, regardless of whether the matter is important or trivial, or whether the person makes the plan is great or common, almost everyone in the world makes plans.

In fact, there is nothing with planning an endeavor. For example, someone who manages time well is called a “time planner”. Those who are knowledgeable in planning usually have contingency plans-Plan A, Plan B or Plan C. We have to be very careful about the related causes and combination as well as the relationship involved when working on a matter. That is why we need to make different plans for different situations. When we face difficult situations, we need to consider how to overcome them. Similar to issues about environmental protection; we need to make long-term plans for the benefit of our country and for future generations.

Making plans is an insightful thought process and a word of wisdom. If you want to survive and have a peaceful, safe life; we would be wise to plan for the present and future.

These days, we plan for everything, such as for planning for education, planning for romance, planning for livelihood, planning for starting a family. There is as saying, “the best moment in a year is spring, the best moment in a day is the morning, and the best plan in life is diligent.” So if we can make the best pan for our life, we can reap the harvest to benefit the country, people, society, and the public, and thus make beneficial contribution to our country.

Read, Reflect And Act:

Making good plans is an insightful thought process in a word of wisdom.

March 15

Planning in spring every year will certainlylead to an autumn harvest.Always lending a helping handwill in return receives help.

Abstaining from unwholesome thoughts will certainly not bring unwholesome retribution. Abstaining from interfering in others’ affairs will certainly not bring trouble.

Someone who has great insight about a situation is an outstanding person. In examining the people of today and the past that really had great insight about a situation, let us begin with Confucius He gave up his governmental post in La in 1945; Emperor Hirohito of Japan immediately surrendered unconditionally to the Allied army because he realized that Japan was incapable of continuing the war. This showed he had a clear understanding of the situation.

During the Three Kingdom Era in ancient China, before Liu Bei established his own kingdom, he worked submissively for the Cao party. He was careful and avoided competing with Cao. Thus Liu Bei had insight about the situation. About the Chu-Han Contention, Liu Bang was too weak so fight with Xiang Yu. So he had no choice but to attend the Hongmen banquet held by Xiang Yu. Liu Bang understood the situation and so he always showed his humility to Xiang Yu.

However, throughout history there have also been some people who have no insight about situation. For example, Yuan Shikai did not care about people’s opinions and declared himself as emperor. The former president of Taiwan, Mr. Li Denghui, although he is no longer in the office, will still not relinquish of one of the policies that he once implemented. Is this a good practice?

Saying that someone who has insight about a situation is an outstanding person means that the person

avoids taking. Putting himself or herself at risk in any given situation. There is an old saying, “When you live someone’s roof, you cannot lower your head.” If we know when to yield, when to make changes according to situation, when to stop at the right time, and most importantly, the causes and the conditions of the situation, then we will be the wise person who clearly sees and understand a situation.

Read, reflect and Act

Someone who has insight about situation is an outstanding person means that the person avoids putting himself at risk in any given situation.

March 16

There may be many opportunities in difficult timesThere will be limitless achievements inhard work.Therefore, we should not escape fromdifficulties and hardships but facethem instead.

When a crisis happens, we try not to panic but to face it calmly. No matter what kind of crisis it is, we have to understand its cause, avoid complicating the situation, and find the best way to resolve it. Indeed, when facing crisis, only calmness and quick wits can resolve it. Panicking and being agitated will not help you.

A news agency in the United State once held a quiz competition. The question was: “There were three professionals, a scientist, an environmental protectionist and a grain expert, flying in a hot-air balloon. Unfortunate, the balloon had a leak and was not unable to carry enough weight. One of the passengers had to jump out in order to reduce the weight. However, all three passengers were experts in their professions who were highly related to the livelihood of human beings. So who should be taken out of the hot-air balloon?” All those who are participated in the quiz had their reasons for their own answers. Finally, little boy won in the quiz with his answer. “Throw the fattest one out of the balloon.”

When the handling a crisis, in the first place, we ought to have the general knowledge to identify the crisis itself. Second, we need to be flexible in order to cope with any changes. Third, we should remain calm. Fourth, we can be successful if we have the good causes and

conditions that we have cultivated in the past. Once we have all these four conditions, overcoming a crisis is not too difficult.


Only with calmness and quick wits can one solve the problems encountered when facing a crisis.

March 17

Have a plan before you act.Have budget before you spend moneySet a goal before you practice.Have a hope for the future.

We must have some methods when handling matters related to our families and society so that we can handle them smoothly.

However, is the method used good or bad? There are some people who do not treat others honestly. In order to take advantage of others they cheat and lie without hesitation whenever and wherever they can. These are definitely morally bad methods. There are also some business entrepreneurs who compete with one another and we use all kinds of means to cause their competitors to suffer extensively. This act is equally destructive. There are countries using different kinds of strategies such as threatening, oppression, forceful suppression, and temptation of material gain, etc. These means used to force acceptance from others are strongly discouraged.

Regardless of whether or not it is skillful, if a necessary method is required to deal with a difficult problem, is should be acceptable. For example, it is acceptable and polite for a daughter-in-law to praise her parents-in-law for no real reason in order to please them. Similarly, parents can be effective by using encouraging, inspiring and rewarding means to encourage their children to study diligently.

Are the different means used good or bad? If they are used to take advantage of others, they are definitely morally bad. If the objective is to solve a crisis, then undoubtedly they are good. For example, Meditation

Master Fei Xi used is supernatural power in order to settle a battle between two armies: Avalokitesvera Bodhisattva used an image of a beautiful woman to teach people. These are skillful means used with good intention.


Regardless of whether or not it is skillful, if a necessary method is requiring dealing with a difficult problem, it should be acceptable.

March 18

Know a person’s strength when youemploy himKnow a person’s weakness when youteach him.

Managing human resources is only effective by showing our affection, protection and caring attitude. Parents give us conditional love to their children while taking care of them: superiors care about their subordinate while managing them. Without the caring attitude of superiors, subordinates will be hard to manage.

Sometimes management is overcommitted when showering care upon subordinates. Subordinates then become bold and unwilling to obey their superiors. At this point, some discipline and reasoning should be applied. These days, reasoning of ethics such as order of seniority, differentiation between the honorable and the common, parents and children, and superiors and subordinates, may help bring subordinates into submission.

Nonetheless, when reasoning is not effective, the code of ethics or discipline has to be enforced. This is why there are in laws in a country, the military, organizations and schools. Only with discipline is there fairness and justice in the management of people and the handling of matters.

Modern managerial skills can be learned from Matsushita Konosuke, The founder of Panasonic. When he was managing a company of one hundred employees, he worked with them and led them by setting a good example. When he was managing a company of ten thousanad of employees and putting his palms together to thank yhm for

their hard work, sent them his blessing. This is the real wisdom of management indeed.


Only with discipline, can manage people and matters in fair and just manner.

March 19

Those who are worthy to be use to othersare worth somethingThose who are willing to be use to otherswill be someone.Those who are unable to be use to otherswill not be successfulThose who refuse to be of use to others willhave no achievement.

The philosophy of employing people for a good purpose is actually the wisdom of human resources management. It is easy to manage work, money and matters, but the hardest of all is to manage people.

Humans cannot be good at everything. Each of us has or strength and weaknesses. Some people do not even know their own strength. Therefore, they need wise superiors to recognize their strength, just like embarking on an expedition to find treasure in the jungle.

We need to know those who are employed by us are human beings, not objects. They are people with special skills, not slaves. That is why we should not use them at our personal back and call. Instead, we should help them to develop their skills, giving them a chance for overseas exposure and vacations. If you really want them to employ them, you need to help them in solving their problems concerning their family, room and board and transportation, etc. Actually you have to be useful to them before you can fully access their usefulness. This is what we have called “be a volunteer for a volunteer”.

When putting people to good use, we have to give them our full support. Superiors should not see their subordinates as just co-workers but as their partners.

They should support their subordinates in different aspect of their life such as in moral sense, relationships, thought and spirituality. The relationship between a superiors and subordinate is similar to that of a master and disciple in religion, and a teacher and a student in a school. The best philosophy of human resource management is to help employees to work not only from their physical boy but also from their heart.


Superiors should not see their subordinates as just co-workers but as their partners. They should support their subordinates in different aspects of their life such as in moral understanding, relationship, philosophy and spirituality.

March 20

Be afraid of flattering not criticism.Be afraid of ignorance not failure.

The purpose of evaluation is o seek out problems, to make improvements, to confirm the direction of developments, to guarantee quality, to obtain recognition for a system, to have introspection and review, to understand demands, to be the base for changes, to be the motivation for hard work, to be the base for reform, to set the standard for rewards and penalties, to be the means to protect consumers, and to assess the special quality of a subordinate.

Confucius once said, “To know more about a person, we need to listen to him and observe his behavior.” There are many ways today to evaluate someone. Superiors evaluate their subordinates through their speech and actions. There are also peer evaluations and public opinions. Getting n independent party to evaluate is fairer because there are no relationships among parties. However, no matter which method we use for evaluation, the evaluation must be objective.

In addition, one benefits by being able to accept other’s evaluation openly. If one can accept the public evaluation, one is qualified to be a public figure. People who can accept their evaluation know their strengths. From ancient times to the present people such as those who are chivalrous and righteous, chaste, women of integrity, royal minister, and filial children are also able to withstand public evaluation.

To put the result of an evaluation to use, one must use it as a direction for future learning, thereby improving and reviewing one’s performance. The evaluation report

should also help one encourage one to strive for the highest standards.


People who can accept their evaluation results will learn their own strength.

March 21

Comprehending other people is the way to show understanding.Forgiving other people is the way to show harmony.Accepting other people is the way to show solidarity.Caring other people is the way to show friendliness.

There are some superiors in society who are good and recognizing people’s strengths. They have the advantage to put the right people to work at the right places. They can tell if someone is good or bad, kind or vicious, capable or not, or even has good character or not, simply by observing his manners, speech, behavior, thoughts, knowledge, and interactions with other people.

There is a saying, “To know someone is harder than going to heaven”. Those who are more understanding tend to know people. That is why the leader of a country or the leader of an organization who understands people well has great achievements in history. Some people who were deceived by their friends, betrayed by their colleagues, or fired by their superiors have no one but themselves in such unpleasant situations.

Being able to know people is actually acquiring profound knowledge. It cannot be done through only wisdom or knowledge; it is learned through experiences and through understanding.

One has to make great effort when understanding with others in order to learn how to know people well.


We learn to know people by reflecting on out own experience and by being considerate of others.

March 22

Great people fulfill themselves by helpingothers to accomplish.Mean people fulfill themselves by holdingother back.

An excellent staff member has not only extraordinary wisdom, abundant knowledge, and the ability to see the big picture, but also good character, good rapport with superiors and peers, and humility.

The influence of a staff member towards superiors is often pivotal. Unfortunately, some outstanding superiors are corrupted by the unethical behavior of staff members and become opportunists. On the other hand, some dishonor able superiors are inspired by their righteous staff members and thus commit fewer mistakes. These are productive and unproductive contributions of staff members.

However, there are some close relatives of government officials who have abused their power and interfered with politics through

nepotism, causing hardship for the people. This can also be regarded as a “crime” committed by a staff member.

Some people like to stay on the stage and be a leader. Some people do not like fame and prefer to stay behind the scenes. They work silently for the leader and are part of the think tank. They are also considered as good staff members. There are many courses offered in colleges and universities on administrative assistance which means there is a demand for studying to be outstanding staff members. Thus it is evident that an outstanding staff member has become an indispensable part of an organization in this era.


An excellent staff member has not only extraordinary wisdom, abundant knowledge, and the ability to see the picture, but also a good character, good rapport with superiors and peers, and humility.

March 23

People who do not practice self-reflectionwill never their weaknesses.People who do not strive forward willwill never spread their strengths.

Some people, who lost their characters and dignity for money, power and fame, have become puppets only to be spurned by others. Some people, who refused to change their writing for ideology, have become the puppets of words. Some people, who are attached to the traditional rules and defend conventional approaches, have become the puppets of the past. Some people, who are attached to the ancient customs and refuse to make improvements and accept new practices, have become puppets of traditional custom.

Puppets do not have spirit, motivation, thoughts and independence. They are entirely controlled by people, and follow orders blindly. A puppet can be made to move when the string are pulled. It tumbles when a piece of cloth is turned. The movements and actions of a puppet seen by the audience are actually controlled by the person behind the screen.

In order to express one’s own individualism and self-worth when living in this world, one would do well to

start by cultivating good character, social responsibility and global view from a young age. By being able to lead righteous, loving and meaningful life, one will not become the puppet of others.

A subordinate who listens to the guidance and follows the leadership of others shows loyalty. However, a superior who not only lacks ideals, capability and productivity, but also takes order from other people and becomes façade for them. He is truly a puppet.


In order to express one’s own individualism and self-worth when living in this world, one would do well to start by cultivating good characters, social responsibility and a global view from a young age.

March 24

Contentment is a recipe for liberation from desires.Gratitude is the gateway to obtaining wealth.

There are two kinds of pigeons. Te first kind, ones freed is unable to find its way home and eventually becomes food for the hunter. It is called the”dish pigeon”. The other kind knows the way home even though it was flown for miles. This extraordinary species is called “match pigeon”.

Whether an army can fight in a battle depends on the training that turned the army into either a “dish pigeon” or “match pigeon”. In business, whether your employees are “dish pigeon” or “match pigeons” also depends on the vigorousness of the training given to them, not on any short-term working relationship.

When a leader sees his subordinates indecisive and not content, there is no need to feel bad because the subordinates are “dish pigeons”. It is better to let them go as soon as possible in order to avoid greater loss in the future. It would be a pity if a subordinate is actually a “match pigeon” but you are unaware of his quality and talent and treat him like a “dish pigeon”.

In an organization or a company, there is no need to feel sad or sympathetic for the “dish pigeon” who are removed for laid off. Instead, we should appreciate the leader’s ability to recognize talent. Having just a few people with the quality of “match pigeons” a business will not be able to achieve much success. Only with a team of “match pigeons” can a business have a successful and brilliant future.


Whether an army can flight in a battle on the training that turned the army into a “dish pigeon” or a”match pigeon”.

March 25

A determined person will always find a waysand methods to success.An escapist will see only difficultiesand obstacle.

Whether a person is capable or not depends on how be answer questions. Is his response to the question positive or negative? His capability can actually be tested at that moment.

We always hear people say “no way!”, “no way!”The phrase “no way” will definitely bring a life of “no way” to the person who uttered it.

“Way” is actually a method by people for doing something. Some people have encountered setbacks when starting a business, have faced difficulties when handling matters, were blamed by others when dealing with people, have come to a bottleneck when thinking, and then in the end they simply used “ no way” as an excuse to give up. If a rigid or traditional method does not work, perhaps you need to change your thought, examine the question objectively, look for cross references, or look at the question from a different angle. You will find a way eventually. There is a saying, “All roads lead to Rome,” even a crafty rabbit has three homes in case of emergency, so there is no place for “ no way” for anything that happens in the.

We can change our mind-set and tell ourselves: I can speak good words! There are ways! I can do good deeds! There are ways! I can build good relationships with others! There are ways! If here is a way for me to study for ten years

or even to become a Buddha, “no way” should not exist for anything in the world.


There is always a solution for a problem. We can change our thought, example the question objectively, look for cross references, or look at the question from a different angle.

March 26

Those who are able to accept admonition and admit their faults courageously will advanceThose who think themselves to be reasonableand never admit their faults will lag far behind.

According to Roots of Dharma, “when scolding people, you must think of their feelings. You will achieve your goal only if you are teaching is accepted.” When scolding, one has to pay attention to the art of using language. Parents give encouragement to their kids instead of scolding, teachers inspire and motivate their students instead of scolding, a couple makes compromises instead of scolding, superiors work hard themselves to set good examples for their subordinate instead of scolding them.

Scolding should be effective and purposeful. It will not achieve its objective if the art form of scolding is kindness and compassion, good intention, praise and sincerity.

One of the characteristic of Meditation teaching is “not to state clearly.” There are many words that need to be stated clearly; instead, let the listeners try to grasp the implicit meaning of the words slowly. That is art of scolding.

Sometimes there is a need for indirect scolding, such as using words with double meaning, indirect expression or praise, instead of scolding. In order to achieve improvement and its goal, scolding must originated from good intentions, kindness and compassion, and sincerity, as well as praises.


When scolding, one must pay attention to the language used. If a superior is willing to set a good example by working hard himself instead of scolding his subordinates, then that is the finest art of scolding.

March 27

Let us pick the difficult tasks for our selvesand leave pleasant things first to others.Let us be accountable for wrongdoingsourselves and be generous in praising others.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “A good example is the best sermon.” Once Wang Yangming, a great Chinese thinker of the Ming Dynasty, as leading his students on the street when he heard two women quarrelling by the road side. One scolded the other, “You have no conscience!” The latter said, “You don’t reason!” The first woman replied, “You are the one who doesn’t reason.

Wang Yangming heard this, he told his students, “Young men, come and listen to the teaching.” The student asked, “Teacher, they re quarrelling with each other, not delivering teachings!” Wang Yangmin said, “They are talking about reason and conscience, aren’t these teaching?” Wang Yangmin later explained, “When we demand reason and conscience from others, it is quarrelling. When we demand reason and conscience from ourselves, it is teaching.”

So, setting a good example is a way for educating; demanding others to do something is not a way for educating.

The enlightened Buddha once set an example for helping others by serving tea and medicine to his sick disciples and threaded a needle for an aged disciple. Even in his eighties, the Buddha still begged for food and worked diligently. By setting a good example for his

disciples, the Buddha motivated them to cultivate diligently.

It is said that “subordinates emulate their superiors’ actions.” Only by setting a good example oneself, can one become a good role model and a good leader.


Among all the teaching methods, the best is to set a good example and be a good role model. If we cannot set a good example, how can we demand others to do so?

March 28

Don’t be self-conceited when being praised.Don’t be resentful when being bullied.Don’t be discouraged when encountering failure.Don’t be arrogant when being successful.

People today do not want to have meritorious achievements. Instead, they become opportunists and try to rely on their good luck to achieve something without hard work. In the past, people did not expect to be rewarded without hard work. Nowadays, most people are very proud of and eager to claim minor credit. Once they have made a small contribution, they hope to be credited and rewarded.

Some people, who do not claim credit from their families or workplace for accomplishment, tend to have a good affinity with other people and are admired by them. Some people who always claim credits and rewards are despised by other people. Those who have made a contribution do, of course, deserve to be admired, but if they can stay humble; neither claiming credit nor being arrogant, and they will be regarded with even higher admiration.

The accomplishment of the leader of a country relies on the support of its citizens. The achievement of a company does not rely solely on the diligent CEO, but also hard-working employees. The Diamond Sutra says “The Buddha liberates all the sentient beings in the world but actually is no sentient beings to be liberated.” This is the pure spirit of

bodhisattvas who do not seek credit. Likewise, we can see many saint and sages also continuing in the same spirit.


It is even more valuable if one can remain humble when one becomes accomplished.

March 29

True reputation is not about somethingthat is praised by contemporaries, butabout something to be followed by futuregenerations.True possession is not about somethingthat is owned by one self, but somethingthat can be shared with others.

The concept of “handling down” is not commonly practiced in our society. When the time comes to hand down a job responsibility to the next person, the out-going senior is already quite elderly while the successor is already middle aged. It is a pity because the successor, since he was young, has been as obedient and loyal as a slave, and as gentle as lamb under the pressure of the leadership of the senior, and the senior wants him to take over an important post in the organization, he is already middle-aged. By then, how much more contribution can be expected from him to the organization?

In the world, we cannot complete everything entirely by ourselves. Everything has to be done collectively given the existence of causes and conditions. We cannot accomplish everything in just one generation, so we need to pass it down

to the next generation. Only when a job responsibility can be passed down will it last for a long time. There will be unlimited hope if responsibilities can be passed down continuously.

Some Buddhist temples also practice passing down the responsibility of the chief abbot to the next suitable monastic. This is why Buddhist teaching can be spread across the globe and talents encouraged and broadly accepted. The society of today has to learn how to pass down power and transfer responsibilities in a selfless way, preferably at an earlier stage in order to bring improvement and prosperity to future generations. This will ensure talents are promoted and experiences are passed down. The passing on of the baton will definitely create positive effects and contributions bringing progress, peace and harmony to a country.


Passing down power and transferring responsibilities in a selfless way at an earlier stage will bring improvement and prosperity to future generations.

March 30

Being a leader, one must listen to good advicewhen making decisions and adhere to the rightpath when implementing them.Being a subordinate, one must be honest andopen when proposing plans and follow theorder of the leader when executing them.

To be a leader, one must have the qualities of a leader, such a talent, knowledge, morality, sensibility, tolerance fairness and selfness, etc. This is because a leader is the shared master of many people and must fulfill the needs of many people. Some people have the quality of leaders but not of followers. It is because good causes and conditions do not exist easily, and therefore a leader is hard to come by.

Today, countries are always floundering because they do not have good leaders. There are some talented people who make neither good leaders nor good followers simply because they overly manipulate their power in order to gain leadership. They are so attached to the idea of being a leader that is impossible for them to become good followers.

We practiced pigeons because they know their way home; people love to keep a dog because of its loyalty; ants and bees also obey their queens. Where there is a leader, there will be people gathered around to form a united force. Youngsters today lose their purpose in life and unable to lead others or to be led by others. They are like wandering ghosts who accomplish nothing in their lives. If we want to be leaders, we must first be a good subordinate who is willing to follow the orders of the leader. Being a good leader is great; but it is also considered as achievement if one is appreciated by a leader.


If we want to be a leader, we must first be a good subordinate who is willing to follow the orders of the leader.

APRILPersonality

April 1

As a person, one should know the four elementsAre essentially that emptiness In dealing with matters, one should understandThe five aggregates are non-existent.In cultivation, one should practice the DharmaDoor of non-dualityOne's state of mind should be vast and carefreeLike the Pure Land of all Buddhas.

In life, one should focus in these three points; no demand, no self-interest and no desire. When a person attains the state of no demand, no self-interest and no desire in his life, she will naturally be virtuous, upright and accomplish great merits. Isn't the best way of living?

How should man behave as a human being? One should be willing to compromise for the common good; one

should be modest and patient to acquire more knowledge; one should not be jealous but rejoice with others over their good deeds, one should form good affinities and bring joy to others.

How does a good person behave? He should assess his weaknesses; reinforce his strengths according to the six precepts of Kuang Heng (a prime minister during the Han Dynasty):

1. The intelligent and wise should refrain from being too meticulous.

2. The one with limited knowledge should refrain from being narrow minded and ignorant.

3. The brave and strong should refrain from being rude and rash.

4. The gentle and compassionate should refrain from being indecisive.

5. The secure and comfortable should refrain from being complacent and missing good opportunities.

6. The careless should refrain from being forgetful and negligent.


Forming good affinities and bringing joy to others in the way to conduct oneself.

April 2

One with a measure of cultivation willHave a measure of a refined disposition.The more tolerance one has, the moreAffinity one will have with others.

These days, some elders often compliment teenagers for being gifted and versatile, intelligent and smart. These teenagers are multi-talented and very capable. Often they are internet savvy and they can even dance and sing. However in past times teenagers were complimented for being "well-educated and reasonable."

"Well-educated means one is educated and sensible; "reasonable" means one is well-behaved. A well-behaved and sensible person is certainly an outstanding talent. The three virtues of the Confucian School: wisdom, benevolence and

courage, have been made the creed of the International Boy Scouts. Indeed not only scouts but their youths and even entrepreneurs should also have these virtues.

The three virtues are wisdom, benevolence and courage. One who has wisdom is not confused; one who is benevolent; has nothing to worry about and one who has nothing to worry about and one who is courage has no fear. If one is not deluded and misled by false understanding, speech and knowledge; not worried over gain and loss, success and failure; not fearful of hardship in the society, nor natural or human calamity; then this can be said to be perfect life.

Young people nowadays are too ambitious and they wish to achieve success on the fast track. The saying goes, "Every trade has its master." Nonetheless masters from every trade must be well-educated and reasonable. Young people who are well-educated and reasonable must first learn to respect others, abide by the rules; they are diligent, committed, dedicated and cooperative. A lofty high tower requires a solid foundation; a refined noble life requires the completeness of virtues for one to conduct oneself properly. Being a well-educated and reasonable young person is truly the only gateway and prerequisite to success.


At lofty high tower requires a solid foundation; a refined noble life requires the completeness of virtues for one to conduct oneself properly.

April 3

Only by shouldering responsibility willThere be improvement Only through willingness to contributeWill there be achievements.

If one is given a task, one should undertake the responsibility. A responsible person will only question whether or not the task is appropriate and will not be concerned about the success or failure, gain or loss. A responsible person will not be particular about the ease or difficulty of the task, but will try their best to accomplish the task entrusted.

Being responsible is the noblest sentiment in the world. Those who act responsibly are capable of great achievement, whereas those who are irresponsible are ordinary and incompetent even if they have strong abilities. We should be responsible for our choice of pursuit; as long as

we are willing to bear responsibility, there is nothing in this world that cannot be resolved.

Shouldering responsibility gives people strength and confidence. As long as one is willing to shoulder responsibility, there will be achievement. We should have the courage not only to take responsibilities but also be responsible for our mistakes. We will progress if we take responsibility and repent our mistakes. If we do not dare to bear responsibility for our mistakes, but instead attach and lay blame on others, or attempt to garner support to intercede on one's own behalf, we will never succeed.

In the learning process, one should not worry about being ignored or having no opportunity to bring into play one's ability, but one should worry about not having the courage to shoulder responsibility. How far a person succeeds in their career is dependent on how much responsibility they can shoulder. Those with a strong sense of responsibility are able to overcome adversity, exploring and seeking good opportunities for themselves; whereas those who fear responsibilities will eventually face failure and accomplish nothing.


Those who act responsibly are capable of great achievement, whereas those who are irresponsible are ordinary and incompetent even if they have strong abilities.

April 4

In the goal of cultivation, no mind isThe highest state;In principles of handling affairs, beingAttentive is the foundation of success.

Principles are needed when we are dealing with things; principles are even more needed to conduct ourselves properly. Principles are the common laws about most things and phenomena. They also conform to rules that are logical. Principles prevent chaos, disorder and confusion. Some people have the discretion to deliberate whether to accept or reject the wealth in front of them because they have principles. Some people have to consider whether or not to undertake a position of fame and fortune as they too have principles.

To conduct oneself in this world, sometimes we have to be slightly flexible while at other times we have to stick to our principles. Too much flexibility will prevent us from keeping with the trend; too much attachment with improper principles will make us being unreasonable and stubborn. The Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana (Mahayana Sraddhospada Santra) teach us to "to be immutable in essence yet follow the changing in conditions." However, if we are too attached to the principles and disregard the changing circumstances, we could made a laughing stock just like the foolish kind-heartedness and benevolence shown by Duke Xiang of Song state to his enemy (by waiting politely for them to cross the river before attacking.)

In trivial matters that do not cause harm to others, we should just follow the circumstances and conditions present. Nevertheless, following conditions do not mean we completely relinquish our principles. Therefore it is wise to follow conditions, provided the circumstances are suitable; it is also wise to uphold the principles if the situation calls for such decision.

The saying goes, "do unto others what you would like others to do unto you." This is the fundamental principle to show respect for others. Being regard to the public welfare as a principle, morality and justice as principle, the benefit of the majority as a principle, being reasonable as a principle, one is able to adhere to the basic principles of human dignity.


In order to conduct ourselves properly and get things done well, we should first set principles for ourselves.

April 5

There must be roots in our mind in orderTo bring about fruition.There must be vows in our mind in orderTo succeed in a career.There must be reason in our mind inOrder to travel around the world There must be a master in our mind inOrder to live truthfully.

We need standpoints in life; what are yours? We are busy working outside every day and return home at night, because home is our standpoint. We need to go outside to work, because our working place is our standpoint.

We gain knowledge and friendship from others when we make friends. We gain accomplishment and honor when we are diligent at work. This is also our standpoint.

What constitutes the standpoints in the journey of our life?

1. Showing filial piety to our parents.2. Being diligent and responsible.3. Cultivating moral character.4. Enduring hardship 5. Sacrificing and to contributing.6. Respecting and being tolerant.7. Being compassionate.8. Upholding right thoughts and right views.9. Following rules and regulations 10. Abiding by the law.


We need standpoints in life, what are yours?

April 6

Be an upright person who dares to speakAnd actDo not be a passive good person who isMuddled and confused.

What are the qualities of a so-called good people? Let us define these qualities:

1. Compassionate people are good people. One should not be indiscriminately compassionate to the point of even concealing and sheltering criminals. On the contrary, this would be a cruel act and an injustice to society. A compassionate person should have compassion with wisdom and courage.

2. Diligent people are good people. One should not excessively indulge in enjoyment, often making mischief and creating problems for others. Diligence should be centered on right effort to serve others, earnest practice, cultivation and the

readiness to take up cudgels for a just cause. This is one of the criteria of a good person.

3. Courageous people are good people. One should not be crude and crass, reckless and ruthless, or flaunt one’s superiority, or use violence to seek enjoyment, or use brute strength to bully the weak. All these are not qualities of good person. Courageous people must have benevolence, loyalty, and the ability to shoulder consequences. They must be sincere and seek progress. These are the characteristics of a good person.

4. Sensible people are good people. One should not be argumentative, or an arm-chair critic who is only good at putting forth arguments but has accomplished nothing. How can such a person be considered good? A sensible person accepts good advice, readily helps and supports others; sensible means setting discipline for oneself, and being accommodative and tolerant. This is the key to being a sensible person.


A compassionate person should have compassion with wisdom and courage.

April 7

In our association with others, we mustshow affection and righteousness.When we are doing things for others,We must be loyal and trustworthy.

Trustworthiness is the moral fiber connecting all worldly ethics. A trustworthy person is also a righteous person. Trustworthiness and righteousness are the foundations of all undertakings; these are also the traditional Chinese virtues. A breach of trust and credibility is viewed as a major character flaw.

Trustworthiness is a promise to which one is committed, and it will continue to be fulfilled for one’s entire life. Buddhism teaches “no false speech”, which means one should be trustworthy. Those who are trustworthy will never speak empty, meaningless and non-sensible words; instead they keep to their promises, just as the saying goes, “A noble person’s spoken words cannot be retrieved even by the fastest horse.”

Trustworthiness is the milestone of a successful person. In business, a good reputation is an intangible capital. Treasuring our trustworthiness not only adds to our worth, it can also help others. Trust smooths out difficulties in business and family matters; be it between spouses, parents and children, or even between lovers, friends, colleagues or countries. We should never breach the trust for personal gain.

Between trustworthiness and wealth, there is a saying: “A promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold.” We can always regain money that we have lost, but we can never patch up bad reputation. Therefore, from the small personal dealings with others to the colossal global peace, trust should never be compromised. Without trust how can we established ourselves in the world? How can this be underestimated?


Trustworthiness and righteousness are the foundations of all undertakings; these are also the traditional Chinese virtues. A breach of trust and credibility is viewed as a major character flaw.

April 8

We must constantly seek ways to createCause and conditions for others, butNever to think how many benefits othersHad given us.

Humility is the ensuing remorse feel for the transgressions we commit against others through our unwholesome behavior and thoughts, and how we repent and correct them. With humility and remorse in our mind, we can be motivated to improve and make progree.

Thoughts of remorse and self-reflection will lead to the sublimation of our qualities and natural self. If a person’s conscience is always clear and behavior does not transgress upon others, then the person is close to perfection in moral virtues and cultivation. On the other hand, those who are without remorse or humility, their conscience having been deluded by greed, anger and jealousy; those people will commit all forms of bad deeds and lose their human dignity. A person without human dignity is like a tree without barks how can such a tree bear flowers and fruits?

People with humility and remorseful mind are able to correct their mistakes and make progress, they are able to develop their qualities and manage their actions. If from a young age everyone could cultivate humility and a remorseful mind, always feeling remorse for our ignorance, lack of moral virtues, inability and a sense of inadequacy; if we could also incorporate humility and remorse in our behavior and thoughts and apply it to our daily life, whether in our speech or in silence, in action or rest, then we will be able to enhance our moral virtues and go everywhere without hindrance.


Thoughts of remorse and self-reflection will lead to the sublimation of our qualities and natural self.

April 9

Patience is an art; persistence is a form of hope.Patience and persistence lead to success in handling affairs;Patience and persistence help one to be proficient in conducting oneself.

Patience is an art in the form of hope. Patience and persistence can help us to be proficient in our studies; to be accomplished and in cultivating ourselves and to be a sensible and understanding one person.

Patience and persistence are very important to our success and accomplishments in a career. However, impatience seems to be a common ill amongst today’s young people. Their lack of persistence also reveals their superficiality. They do not have the patience and concentration, their bodies and minds are rather unsteady and they change their jobs frequently. Without perseverance, they cannot settle down in their vacations. How can their superiors entrust them with responsibilities? Without their

superiors high regard and trust, how can they succeed in their careers?

Hence, we should constantly ask ourselves, “Do I study patiently? Do I work patiently? Do I deal with others patiently?” if we lack patience and persistence, our efforts will always fall short of success for luck of the last spurt. Thus, the secret to success is simply patience and persistence.


Patience and persistence help to mold one into a sensible and proficient person.

April 10

One who knows to retrospect is always grateful.One who is grateful always treasures happiness and cherishes affinity.

There is a Chinese saying, “Dismantle the bridge after crossing the river.” It means upon completion of a task with other’s assistance, we are devoid of all the gratitude. This shows that one does not know to be grateful and to repay the help. If we are able to prostate to the bridge after crossing the river, this shows one’s gratitude and it is a repayment to people who have helped us.

Why do we promote filial piety? This is our gratitude to our parents for all their sacrifices. Why do we donate to charity? It is because we are thankful to hospitals for saving lives and schools for providing education. Touched by the efforts of fire fighters in putting out fires, many generously donate fire-fighting equipment; for they realize that without the fire-fighters, how could we enjoy our material comfort? All these actions are in accordance with the maxim “prostrating to the bridge after crossing it.”

A person is not grateful is one who is poor at heart. A grateful and contented person finds wealth all around him. One who is grateful and cherishes blessings leads a rich life. If we are always grateful at heart in dealing with life, we will be able to transform even the unpleasant encounters into conditions overriding adversity.

Hence in life, if we could always harbor the sentiment of gratefulness, there will be no enmity, jealousy, discords, and afflictions. Having gratitude in the heart will develop our moral character and improve our disposition. Our life will be in perfect harmony.


Grateful and contented people find wealth all around them and their life is in perfect harmony.

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366 Days with Wisdom Part 3

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