The world of Tzu Chi October 2020 (Vol.127)

2020 • 10 48 harma Jing Gong receives the advice of a virtuous minister I n ancient times, the monarch Jing Gong ruled the Kingdom of Qi with the virtuous minister Yanzi by his side. Whenever Jing Gong’s actions bordered on the inappropriate, Yanzi would bluntly admonish him. Though he would become indignant at times, after calming down and reflecting, Jing Gong would discover that Yanzi’s advice was extremely helpful to the dynasty.AsYanzi had gained the confidence of his superior Jing Gong and the support of the common people below him, he was well-qualified for the task of a courtier, someone who could facilitate communication between the monarch and the people. However, life is impermanent, and Yanzi passed away. After receiving this news, Jing Gong, who was travelling abroad, quickly returned. He rushed his carriage the whole way back, and the more hurried he felt, the more he resented the slowness of the carriage. Eventually, he descended from the carriage and tried running instead. However, he discovered that this was not as fast as the carriage, so again he climbed aboard. From this, we can see just how anxious and restless he felt. When he finally arrived before Yanzi’s coffin, he cried out mournfully, “Although the things you told me when alive sometimes made me very unhappy, after calming down I always knew that your advice was for the good of governing the country. Now that you have passed away, who will carry the voice of the people to me? Great misfortune has descended upon the Kingdom of Qi. Why has this happened to you rather than me?” Such was the sorrow Jing Gong felt after losing his trusted minister. However, old habits die hard, and even though he was determined to remain self-vigilant, after a period of time, his lifestyle returned to one of self-indulgence. One day several years later, Jing Gong invited his imperial chancellors to a feast. He liked eating fish, and as everyone happily enjoyed their meal, he turned to his chancellors on a whim and told them, “This seafood pleases my palate. I heard that seafood nourishes the brain.” Many chancellors replied, “Since seafood nourishes the brain, it’s no wonder the king is becoming wiser and wiser. He’s most judicious and reasonable in his affairs. He’s so able and efficient.” Hearing this, Jing Gong became beside himself with joy. After having his fill of food and drink, he said, “Today I’m so happy. Let’s go shoot arrows together!” When everyone arrived at the archery range, his many chancellors surrounded him, CHAPTER 2 - UPHOLD PRECEPTS