The Art of Living Chinese Proverbs and Wisdom. Hong Yingming

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       34. Fame and desire may not harm the heart absolutely, prejudice and illusion are the weevils that gnaw at the mind; licentious behavior is not necessarily an obstacle to the path of self-cultivation, self-assumed cleverness is the wall that stands in the way of virtue.

      Compared with the hounds of desire and fame, the unhealthy characteristics of prejudice of heart, perversions of thought, self-righteousness and self-assumed cleverness are much more harmful to the character. The Seven Emotions and Six Desires (The Six Desires are generally taken to be Color, Sound, Scent, Touch and Means; the Seven Emotions are Joy, Anger, Grief, Fear, Love, Hatred and Lust) are very apparent and thus easy to correct or overcome. However, inner prejudice and self-assumed cleverness can cloud the judgment and are much more difficult to detect. In the end they can hinder the growth of a proper wisdom and render clever people stupid.

       35. The mind of man is complex and the ways of the world rugged and steep. When you cannot get through you should know how to step back; when you can get through you should know the merit of giving way.

      It is impossible to predict the changing moods of man, and human relationships are complicated and ever changing. The path of life has never been smooth, it is full of twists and turns and changes of direction. Thus, when we encounter a pit that we cannot cross we should understand how to step back and not rush forward. We should understand how to slacken our pace and regard withdrawal as progress, so that we can see the situation clearly and avoid wasting time and effort. Similarly, when things are going well and the wind fills our sails, then that is the time for modesty and prudence and to politely give way so as to avoid disaster caused by faulty judgment born of over-confidence.

       36. In dealing with a rogue it is easy to be severe but difficult not to feel hatred; in dealing with a man of virtue it is easy to show respect but difficult to demonstrate the correct degree of politeness.

      It is not difficult when dealing with an uncultivated and ill-behaved rogue to adopt an attitude of severity, what is difficult is to empty the depths of one’s heart of loathing and treat him well and to help and educate him. When you discover the mistakes and faults in others, indulging in criticism and hatred rather than instructing or helping demonstrates a similar lack of moral responsibility. Most people feel respect for a deeply cultivated person of virtue and prestige, what is difficult is to treat them with true politeness. Over-politeness can descend into flattery and with that there comes an element of falsity.

       37. Better to be simple in mind rather than clever and retain some righteousness to repay heaven and earth; better to decline a life of luxury and delight in plain living and leave some purity for the world.

      The ancient saying goes: “Cleverness is the enemy of intelligence.” Man’s thought and wisdom are limited. Using a fistful of clever trickery to scheme for petty advantage may seem like getting the better of others but in the end one is damaged by one’s own prejudices to the harm of others and without benefit to self. Laozi said: “The Way is of and in the Natural World.” In life one should learn from all the sentient beings of the universe and indulge less in cunning trickery and more in a natural simplicity. This is the only means of retaining a nature that is both upright and honest, leaving a reputation for pure simplicity and gaining a life that is tranquil and harmonious.

       38. Devilry first seizes the mind, subdue the mind and the devils depart; to rid the mind of wayward thoughts, subdue one’s mood and they will no longer intrude.

      The Buddhist Garland Sutra says: “The mind is like a painter’s brush, capable of depicting everything that exists.” The devils and demons of life have their source in the evil thoughts of the mind. If the mind remains immovable, then the devils and demons from outside retreat without a battle. Dealing with ruthless and tyrannical barbarity is much the same. Controlling the violent unreason of the outside world first requires control of the thoughtless frivolity of one’s own heart. A mind like still water and as stable as a rock will keep out evil and defeat poison.