Heshang Gong Chapter 79 – 任契 (Relying on Contracts)
Paul PengPartager
Heshang Gong Chapter 79 – 任契 (Relying on Contracts)
老子河上公章句 · 第79章 · Heshang Gong's Commentary on Laozi
Section 1 — 第1节
Settle great grievances — those who kill shall be put to death, those who injure others shall receive punishment, and thus harmony can be restored. There will inevitably remain lingering resentment; those who impose punishments lose human sentiment, and there will certainly be remaining grievances that affect the innocent. How can this be considered good? Speaking of one person, then the innate mind is at peace; how can resolving grievances be considered good? Therefore, the sage holds the left token but does not demand repayment from others. In ancient times, sages held the left token, which was to align with symbols and trust. There were no written documents or laws; instead, engraved tokens matching symbols were used as proof. But the token was merely carved as a sign of trust, not to hold others accountable for other matters. The virtuous person oversees the tokens — a virtuous ruler merely supervises and verifies the tokens as proof. One without virtue oversees thoroughly. A ruler without virtue, who violates the token and trust, oversees what people have lost. The Way of Heaven is impartial; it constantly supports the virtuous. The Way of Heaven has no favorites or biases, but only supports the virtuous — this is akin to overseeing tokens.
About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
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