Collected Works on the Categories of Chinese Philosophy

Author: Chief Editor: Wang Guan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1997-06-01
Features: Excerpt: Those who live in the heavens have their lifespan determined by deficiencies from birth, which are not necessarily fixed and can be transferred. Those who suffer in the world should fulfill their nature and destiny, overcoming their predetermined limits, and this is called longevity. Otherwise, to harm their life is to be unlucky. According to this, all living beings in the heavens have their destiny determined by their deficiencies in virtue. To live out their predetermined lifespan is called longevity. Longevity is contrasted with the heavens. Yan Lin has no way to influence the masses, and those whose seasons do not last are said to be "counted to reach" and "reached." Therefore, Confucius sighed, "Short-lived, it is destiny!" He understood that the masses' destiny is determined by deficiencies, not by the heavens. Their predetermined lifespan is this. Confucius praised them for their virtue and history. However, how do we know that they were not destined for misfortune? The masses were not destined for misfortune. The heavens were not unlucky. Misfortune is when one is born in an unfavorable time, a change in fate. The noble follow the principle, so it is said, "The benevolent are long-lived." The Doctrine of the Mean also says, "The great virtue will surely find its longevity." The Book of Changes, "Pan Geng," knows the heavens' determination of destiny. The Book of Shang, "Xi Bo," says, "The heavens have recorded our destiny." The King says, "I was born without destiny in the heavens." The ancestors Yi and Bo say, "Our sins are many; we wronged the above and thus can blame destiny." The Book of Changes, "Wei Zhao," says, "Only by not respecting virtue will one early fall from destiny." The Spring and Autumn Annals, Duke Chenggong, "Qi Ji," and the Zuo Zhuan, "Shi Zhenbo," say, "The gods bless the benevolent and curse the wicked. The wicked are not punished, and blessings come." This speaks of the destiny of the wicked being cursed. Those who determine destiny do so themselves. Those who end destiny do so themselves. Those who fall from destiny do so themselves. Even so, to blame for blessings and destiny being deficient in the heavens? Ancestor Yi thought they could not. Thus, the wicked being unpunished is also their fortune, and they do not seek it often. The Book of Changes, "Pan Geng," "Yu Xu," "Nian," "Deficient in the heavens," and "Jin Teng," "No fall from the heavens' descent of precious destiny."