鐔津文集 3.20

3.20

Filial piety stems from goodness, and all people possess a good heart. If one does not broaden it with the Buddha's Way, then the goodness will not be great and the filial piety will be small. As for the Buddha's Way: it regards the parents of others as one's own parents, and guards the lives of other creatures as one's own life. Therefore, when he practices goodness, even wriggling insects are embraced; when he practices filial piety, all ghosts and spirits are encouraged. If one draws upon this filial piety to dwell in the world, one will be peaceful with the world and free of anger and contention. If one draws upon this goodness to transcend the world, one will extend great compassion to the world and encourage the world. Therefore, in pursuing the Way, a noble person must make clear distinctions; in pursuing goodness, a noble person cannot be without gradation. The Doctrine of the Mean says: 'If there is not supreme virtue, the supreme Way will not crystallize.' This is what it means.