The
Doctrine of the Mean is a text rich with symbolism and guidance to perfecting
oneself. The mean is a state of equilibrium of the mind and the internal
harmony of our being.
Confucius said, “The virtue embodied in the doctrine of the Mean is of the highest order.
But it has long been rare among people.”
Look
within for all the answers you seek about your purpose. Listen intently to the
yearning of your heart.
The path
of the mean is not far to seek; each man has the law of it in himself; and it
is to be pursued with earnest sincerity.
Only the
Superior man can follow the mean; the Mean man is always violating it.
The
superior man, while there is anything he has not studied, or while in what he
has studied there is anything he cannot understand, will not intermit his
labor.
While
there is anything he has not inquired about, or anything in what he has
inquired about which he does not know, he will not intermit his labor.
While
there is anything he has not reflected on, or anything which he has reflected
on which he does not apprehend, he will not intermit his labor.
While
there is anything he has not discriminated or his discrimination is not clear,
he will not intermit his labor.
If there
be anything which he has not practiced, or his practice fails in earnestness,
he will not intermit his labor.
If another
man succeed by one effort, he will use a hundred efforts.
If another
man succeed by 10 efforts, he will use a thousand.
Let a man
proceed in this way, and, though dull, he will surely become intelligent;
though weak, he will surely become strong.
The above
abstract was culled from one of the Four Books of Confucian philosophy – strive
to adopt such mode of thinking towards your life.
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