The Fourth Lesson: The Benefit of the Virtue of Humility
Narrators: The third lesson taught us the ways to accumulate kind deeds. Naturally, it would be best ifpeople wouldpractice kindness, but as humans, we are social beings. It is impossible to not come in contact with others in society; therefore, it is important to know the ways to improve our persons in dealing with others. The best way to do this is tofollow the virtue of humility. A humble person in society receives support and trustftom the general public. If a person understands the virtue of humility, he is the person who also understands the importance of constant self improvement. This constant self improvement not only includes the searchfor higher knowledge, but also encompasses the need to be more humane, better performance in daily duties, and improved communication with ftiends. Many benefits and rewards resultftom behaving with an understanding of humility. Thislessonfocusesonthebenefit sofvirtueandhumilityprovenbyLiaoFan's own experiences. You will be greatly benefited ifyou can thoroughly contemplate and understand these teachings.
Liao-Fan: In the I-Ching Book of Change, the hexagram of Humility stated,
Narrator: The law of heaven takes from those who are arrogant and benefits those who are humble. The law of earth will not allow those who are conceited or selfcontent to always remain that way, but will bring change upon them. The humble will not wither, but shall be replenished, just as flowing water fills up lower places on the ground as it passes by, making up the differences. The law of spirits and gods bring harm to those who are arrogant and fortune to those who are humble. Even the laws of men despise the arrogant and like the humble.
Liao-Fan: Therefore, heaven, earth, spirits, gods, and people all prefer humility over arrogance. In the I-Ching Book of Change, the sixty four hexagrams talk about the constant changes and interactions of heaven and earth, ying and yang. The book teaches a person how to become more humane. Every hexagram contains both good and bad outcomes. The bad outcomes of a hexagram wam people to stop doing evil and to practice kind deeds. The good outcomes of a hexagram encourages people to diligently improve themselves and strive to be better. Only the Humility hexagram contains all good outcomes and no bad outcomes. The Chinese Book of History has also said,
Narrator: A person's arrogance will bring him harm; and his humbleness will bring him benefit.
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