諸經要集 9.80

9.80

Now, deliberating with prudence to guard against faults is the principle of being free from adversity. Sealing the mouth to put an end to slander is the source of departing from evil. Being cautious at the beginning and prudent to the end—these are the salt and plum of the gentleman. Revering the initial and protecting the final—these are the essential pursuits for nurturing life. One hopes to reflect upon the rising and sinking of guilt and merit, and to understand the joy and suffering of fortune and misfortune. For instance, the eye is blind to seeing itself and must borrow a mirror to observe its form; the hair is awkward at untangling itself and must rely on a comb to clear its way. Thus, that the face can have its shape [seen] is the power of a clear mirror; that the hair can be untangled is the achievement of a dark comb. That one's conduct becomes fragrant is the benefit of wholesome words; that the fruit is supreme is the goodness of wholesome causes. Therefore, when a body is about to be ruined, it will certainly not take in words of correct remonstrance; when a life is about to end, it will certainly not accept good medicine.