Mr. Xia Feng's Collection

Author: Sun Qifeng (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: This book is a vertical print version of traditional Chinese characters, a collection of essays by the Qing Dynasty philosopher Sun Qifeng.
Excerpt:
The Postscript of Private Blessings
When children go astray, it is often due to the influence of worthless individuals who guide them daily. Near the dark, near the bright, their faces are originally undetermined; frequent violence and greed easily corrupt people. I dare not generalize about all virtuous children, but from my childhood to the present day, I have been inconsistent, and my movements are hard to rely on. I often meet those who drink, and my own love for drinking has grown stronger; I often associate with those who play games and jest, and I am no less eager than others for various hobbies. At times, I speak with virtuous officials and scholars about past events and hidden thoughts, fearing that I have not completely eradicated them or thoroughly cleansed myself. When the virtuous are far away, and the flattering ones are near, I become carefree and my old habits resurface. Alas! Friendship, though one of the five cardinal relationships, truly permeates the roles of ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, and brothers, and its application is profound. Young people, inexperienced in the world, must pay special attention to this principle. The few words in "Private Blessings" are stern, concise, and direct, leaving no room for the wicked to stand firm. If the children are virtuous, they should be even more diligent in doing good; even if they are not, they may not reach a point of complete ruin that is beyond salvation. Master Sun rose during the Zhengde era, settled rebellious kings with a single insight, and taught the world's learning through one enlightenment, while defeating Kaifeng with one victory. Every word and character of his is sufficient to enlighten the world. Yet, only this essay is chosen for publication, perhaps because no one loves their children more than they do, and the virtue or vice of their children is truly judged here between the sage and the madman. I dare to present this to the scholars in my circle who share this love for their children.