The Four Teachings of Lian Fan

Author: Yuan Liefan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book, "Liefan's Four Teachings," is a classic work by Yuan Liefan, a Ming Dynasty scholar-official, who educates his son on how to find a place in life, accumulate virtue, and conduct oneself with integrity through personal experiences, concrete examples, and comparative methods from theoretical, psychological, learning, and action perspectives. It is divided into four parts, known as the "Four Teachings."
The first teaching, "The Art of Finding a Place in Life,"
narrates how, when young, someone predicted for him that he would be childless and would only live to the age of fifty-three. He believed it and became disheartened, spending his days in apathy and making no efforts to improve himself, intending to accept this fate. Later, after being guided by the Yunyu Zen Master, he practiced and realized that destiny is not fixed. He then worked hard to study, correct his flaws, and actively perform good deeds, ultimately changing his destiny. Not only did he have three sons, but he also rose to the position of Vice Director of the Imperial Seal Office.
The second teaching, "The Method of Rectifying Faults,"
explains how he corrected his shortcomings and accumulated virtue. There are three methods:
(1) Develop a sense of shame.
(2) Develop a sense of awe.
(3) Develop a sense of courage.
The third teaching, "The Way of Accumulating Virtue,"
discusses, in modern terms, how to accumulate virtue and do good deeds.
The fourth teaching, "The Effect of Humble Virtue,"
states that sincerity is the foundation of a person, and humility is the essence of sincerity. To achieve success and change one's destiny, one must be humble, treat others with sincerity, and earn respect through actions. Only then can one face everything smoothly and find ease in every situation.