(Clearwisdom.net) In the traditional culture of China, protecting people and respecting nature are well-established virtues. In ancient China, from the emperor down to the common people, a respect for the will of nature was widely accepted. It was believed that morally good and benevolent people were protected by nature. "The way of nature does not depend on relationships. It often protects morally good people." If there is danger, good people will get through it safely. If a man violates the law of nature, calamity will befall him. However, if that man returns quickly to righteousness, and makes amends for his mistakes, the calamity can be avoided. Hence, it is most important that a man's thinking is always on the right path. History has many examples to illustrate this point. Below are examples from some of China's ancient dynasties.
A story from the Shang Dynasty: One year during the reign of Emperor Chengtang, there was a serious drought. He went to pray for rain and blamed himself for not doing well in several areas. He said, "The public suffering is due to errors in my administration, and my extravagant lifestyle. Oversights in my administration have led to corruption and allowed unqualified people to be officials." Before he finished praying, it began to rain for thousands of miles around. This story illustrates how the lifestyle of politicians in ancient times reflected on the environment of the whole country. What is important is that an open-minded and enlightened emperor is capable of blaming himself and taking advice from others. Confucius referred to such officials as having "officials' morals". When there is a natural disaster or an occurrence of an unusual phenomenon, the emperor and his ministers will reflect upon their own conduct and make changes where needed in order to alleviate a bad situation.
A story from the Han Dynasty: When Yuandi was emperor there was an earthquake and an eclipse of the sun in Changan. Yuandi was worried and asked his ministers about possible problems in his administration. One of his ministers, Kuangheng, said, "Everyone including the emperor must have a high regard for morality. The government should establish and carry out benevolent policies in order to benefit the public. The expenditures of the palace should be reduced and an emphasis put on promoting honesty and righteousness. Ministers should be humble in addition to upholding the law, serious about justice, and should be role models for the public. In the public sector emphasize morality, kindness and harmony. When the leadership is setting a good example, the public will follow. As a result, the country will prosper and people can live in peace and prosperity." What Kuangheng proposed was supported by Yuandi, other ministers and the public.
During the Ming Dynasty in the ninth year of Emperor Zhengde, Huang Tingxuan was appointed Commissioner of Taicang County in Jiangsu Province. At that time there was a serious drought and famine was widespread in that province. Upon his arrival in Taicang, Huang immediately opened government warehouses to provide relief from hunger. He requested that the emperor reduce taxes and replaced corrupt officials with venerable people. He was sincere in praying for rain, and heavy rain came to his county, but other areas remained in drought. The public said that this was because Huang had a benevolent policy and hence was rewarded.
It is human nature to be kind to people. This is in line with the love of nature, which provides unconditional support to life. Hence, if people follow the laws of nature, are kind to others and uphold morality, they will be protected by nature and prosperity will come to all. The ancients' emphasis on morality has a far reaching consequence to society. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which is promoting disrespect for nature, for life, for family, and for traditional values, is persecuting people who dare to speak the truth. Without question, these actions will lead to the CCP's own destruction. It is crucial that people should withdraw from the CCP and return to kindness and righteous thinking before they can have a bright future.
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Category: Traditional Culture
