Virtue

From Aryez

Book 57 of the Marfat

57: Virtue

1. The prophet Confucius said of the ideal

2. righteous man: “He is quick in

3. action but cautious in speech.”

4. He then told his followers to guide

5. people with virtue so then not

6. only would these people acquire a sense of

7. shame and respect but also a sense of morality

8. to reform themselves. Virtue cannot truly be so

9. without benevolence. He also told his followers to remember

10. to treat others as one would have themselves be treated. This

11. is the golden rule of relationships. Beware the wrath of God

12. but take comfort in His love. Confucius said when asked

13. of an ideal ruler: “A ruler who governs his state

14. by virtue is like the north polar star, which remains

15. in place while all other starts revolve around it.” In addition, the wise man

16. is not a slave to others ideals or wills, but is independent and reaches wisdom

17. by himself though a personal relation with God, as the prophet Nanak taught.

Commentary: This book praises virtue and defines it as cautious thought and quick action. It also states that people should lead by virtue and example and not by a system of give and take, a system of rewards and punishments. The golden rule, “do as to others as you would have done to yourself” is also stated. The book also tells people to have independent thought processes.