(Minghui.org) The Commentary of Zuo, or Zuo Zhuan, is an ancient Chinese historical narrative about the chronicle Spring and Autumn Annals. Legend has it that it was compiled by Zuo Qiuming, an official historian of the State of Lu, which is in today's Shandong Province. It covers a period from 722 to 468 BC and focuses mainly on political, economic, cultural, diplomatic, and military affairs from that era.
Also documented in the Commentary of Zuo are heavenly principles, divine inspirations, and cosmic portents, as well as commentary on various aspects of social life, which the author considered worth mentioning as a reminder.
Many Chinese sayings and idioms in Commentary of Zuo promote traditional culture and moral values, which were instrumental in building the foundation for today's people to understand Falun Dafa.
Compiled below, in four parts, are some quotes from this Chinese classic.
(Continued from Part 1 of 4)
12. Punishing what is evil, and encouraging what is good. (“Year 14 of Duke Cheng” in Commentary of Zuo)
13. Happiness and misery have no gate by which they must enter; each man calls the one or the other from his heart. (“Year 23 of Duke Xiang” in Commentary of Zuo)
14. Kindness should not be lost, and evilness should not be prolonged. (“Year 6 of Duke Yin” in Commentary of Zuo)
15. To facilitate what is virtuous should be a priority, while when removing what is corrupting, one should leave no stones unturned. (“Year 1 of Duke Ai” in Commentary of Zuo)
16. The superior man makes sure to know the important and long-term issues, while the villain is only concerned with what is small and of immediate nature. (“Year 31 of Duke Xiang” in Commentary of Zuo)
17. One who does not forget his state of affairs when confronting personal misfortune displays the manifestation of loyalty. (“Year 1 of Duke Zhao” in Commentary of Zuo)
18. Being thrifty is the collective character of virtue, and extravagance is the greatest of wickedness. (“Year 24 of Duke Zhuang” in Commentary of Zuo)
19. To cast away what is virtuous and give honor to what is wily turns into a major cause of calamities. (“Year 24 of Duke Xi” in Commentary of Zuo)
20. Seeking ease and pleasure is poisonous and should not be a desire. (“Year 1 of Duke Min” in Commentary of Zuo)
21. Good faith is the foundation of a State and what makes people thrive. (“Year 25 of Duke Xi” in Commentary of Zuo)
Related article in Chinese: 《左传》中的劝善名句数则（3）
Views expressed in this article represent the author's own opinions or understandings. All content published on this website are copyrighted by Minghui.org. Minghui will produce compilations of its online content regularly and on special occasions.
Category: Traditional Culture
