折疑論 3.78

3.78

Because Zilu's temperament was fierce and violent, unarmed he would grapple a tiger and without a boat cross a river, failing to cultivate life properly, [the Master] therefore said, 'Before you understand life, how can you understand death?' (Ping is pronounced ping. Because Zilu was impetuous in nature and his courage was fierce and unyielding. 'Grappling a tiger' means wrestling with bare fists. 'Crossing a river' means crossing without a boat. He was not good at discreetly nurturing life, so [the Master] said, 'While you are not yet able to serve human beings, how can you serve ghosts? Before you understand life, how can you understand death?' This was a rebuke directed at Zilu).