Be Inspired By the Good in Others
by Master Lee Feng San Shifu
Translated by Sophia Lui
Edited by Ric Meyers
Now we are going to explore how we can single out the good qualities in others, and learn from them. As for the bad qualities which we see, not only should we avoid being negatively influenced by them, but also engage ourselves in a fight against them.
Nowadays, many people feel that society is descending into chaos. However, if we do not want this situation to worsen, we have to understand one thing: and that is not to engage ourselves in a battle against negative forces. Rather, we should actively bring good and positive measures to light, then let them gain attention.
Previously China focused on struggle and confrontation, but these were futile in resolving anything, for there is no end to struggles and confrontations. Therefore, these days, they’re starting to pay more attention to improving cultural standing and educational level. They are hopefully learning how to co-exist in peace with one another, so that the whole nation will flourish.
Regardless of whether one is Chinese or not, everyone should bear in mind that we should not pit one against another. If we have any propositions, we should lay them out on the table, and work towards a peaceful solution. We should always ask ourselves; have we done what we are supposed to do? Have we given it our best?
I suppose we have all heard people lamenting: “I think I was born in the wrong era. How I wish I had been born decades earlier!” In truth, this kind of wishful thinking is pointless. Regardless of the time in which we were born, the most important thing is to ask ourselves, “What should I be doing right now?”
The ancients said: “Let the good we see in people be an inspiration for us. And if we recognize ourselves in the bad that we see in others, let it be a warning for us to change our ways.” In short, if we see a good trait, we should learn from it. If we see a bad trait, we should turn away from it, or not be negatively influenced by it. If we do that, we will be on the right track!
It is not necessary to engage ourselves in combat with anyone or anything that is less-than-desirable — otherwise our close proximity to negativity will only blur our own boundaries of good and bad. Someone says, “a hero is only a product of his circumstances.” There are also others who say, “heroes create their own circumstances.”
On my part, I am more inclined towards the latter. As long as we make the effort and never cease moving forward, we will naturally create more favorable circumstances for ourselves.
“Nurture our positive qualities and overcome our negative qualities. Never cease effort in creating our own circumstances.” — Lee Feng San Shifu