Disciples

Chapter 79

Original
Can be kind and benevolent, infinitely good;
De Rijin, live less.

Translation
There are infinite benefits to be close to people of high moral character, morality will be improved day by day, and faults will be reduced day by day.

allusion
Mencius lived in the most turbulent and chaotic society in the history of our country during the Warring States period.In the midst of war, Mencius studied Confucian ethics with heart, and inherited the essence of Confucianism.In order to promote the idea of ​​benevolent government, Mencius imitated Confucius and led his disciples to travel around the world and lobby the princes. Unexpectedly, just like Confucius, he hit a wall everywhere.However, Teng Wengong is an exception.

When Teng Wengong was the prince, he followed his teacher and friends on an envoy to the state of Chu, and passed by the state of Song. He heard that Mencius was in Pengcheng, the capital of Song Dynasty, so he hurried to meet him, and the two became sworn brothers from then on.Prince Teng was elegant in manner and extraordinary in conversation, and he left a good impression on Mencius as soon as he met.When staying in Pengcheng, the prince humbly asked for advice, and Mencius also enthusiastically explained to him "human nature is good" and "the way of Yao and Shun".The two often huddled together and talked late into the night.

A month later, Prince Teng returned from his mission and visited Mencius again with a series of questions.Mencius synthesized all his doubts and found that his biggest shortcoming was the lack of ambition to become a sage, so he encouraged him.The friendship between Prince Teng and Mencius has become a beautiful story in history.From this, we can see that Teng Wengong's moral character and talents have been continuously improved because of making friends with Mencius, a benevolent and righteous scholar.

(End of this chapter)