Sacred Books of the East Vol. 40 - Taoism Vol. 2

'He ought to pity the malignant tendencies of others; to rejoice over their excellences; to help them in their straits; to rescue them from their perils; to regard their gains as if they were his own, and their losses in the same way; not to publish their shortcomings; not to vaunt his own superiorities; to put a stop to what is evil, and exalt and display what is good; to yield much, and take little for himself; to receive insult without resenting it, and honour with an appearance of apprehension; to bestow favours without seeking for a return, and give to others without any subsequent regret:--this is what is called a good man. All other men respect him; Heaven in its course protects him; happiness and emolument follow him; all evil things keep far from him; the spiritual Intelligences defend him; what he does is sure to succeed{fr. 2} {fn. 1. In its widest meaning:--Men, creatures, and all living things.} {fn. 2. Here are the happy issues of doing good in addition to long life;--compare the Tâo Teh King, ch. 50, et al.} {p. 238} he may hope to become Immaterial and Immortal{fr. 1}. {lq. Happy issues of his course.} He who would seek to become an Immortal of Heaven{fr. 1} ought to give the proof of 1300 good deeds; and he who would seek to become an Immortal of Earth{fr. 1} should give the proof of three hundred. 4. 'But if the movements (of a man's heart) are contrary to righteousness, and the (actions of his) conduct are in opposition to reason; if he regard his {lq. The way of a bad man.} wickedness as a proof of his ability, and can bear to do what is cruel and injurious; if he secretly harms the honest and good; if he treats with. clandestine slight his ruler or parents; if he is disrespectful to his elders and teachers{fr. 2}; if he disregards the authority of those whom he should serve; if he deceives the simple; if he calumniates his fellow-learners; if he vent baseless slanders, practise deception and hypocrisy,