There are three kinds of happiness better than the emperor

Mencius pointed out that there are three kinds of happiness that surpass the emperor. This kind of happiness comes from the heart and is something everyone can enjoy and cherish.

　　 1. Cultivation is a compulsory course in life

　　 Some people see the word "good nature" in the book "Mencius", and they think that his view is that human nature is good. This is not the case, because Mencius clearly pointed out that a person who has eaten enough, dressed warmly, and lives comfortably without receiving education is like an animal. This shows that people cannot live a meaningful life by instinct alone.

　　 However, what education provides is only the norms of the Five Elements, and the foundation of these norms is still human nature. For example, as a person, you must have gratitude and respect for your parents first, and then the norms of filial piety can play a role, promote close interpersonal relationships, and stabilize social order. Therefore, when thinking about human nature, we must focus on the appropriate relationship between people. For example, if I am not filial and make my parents unhappy, will I bear it?

　　 Mencius believes that people have "compassion, shame, resignation, right and wrong." These are called the four ends of the heart. Following the requirements of the four ends, the four goodnesses of "benevolence, righteousness, courtesy and wisdom" can be achieved. Whether the mind produces the power of self-demand depends on whether a person is sincere. For example, I was sitting on a bus and an old lady came up. If I was sincere, I would have a strength from the inside and would automatically get up and give up my seat. The power from sincerity is called "xiang", and my act of giving up my seat is called "good". This view is "the theory of humanity toward goodness." It can be derived from this: self-cultivation is a compulsory course in life.

　　 2. Methods of self-cultivation

　　 Mencius believes that he has two characteristics: one is to know words, and the other is to cultivate awe-inspiring aura. Knowing words means: when you hear someone speaking, you can judge whether there are blind spots, persistence, prejudice or dodge in such words. As for the aura of Haoran, it is difficult to explain clearly.

　　On the one hand, we must act in accordance with "Straight, Righteous, and Tao". Zhi is sincere and upright in the heart, righteousness means doing reasonable and just things, and Tao is walking on the bright road of life. The long-term practice of these three points will enable a person to dissolve selfishness and desires, show a "gentleman's magnanimity" demeanor, and be at ease and contented in any environment.

　　 On the other hand, nurturing the mind is more important than nurturing the body. The heart gives orders and then cooperates with the specific actions of the body. For example, when others speak harshly to me, I must first reflect on myself: Is it inconsistent with etiquette? Did you fail to do good? Is it not hard enough? If there is no fault, it means that others are just arrogant people. Why should I care about him?

　　 Self-cultivation is always tested in a difficult situation. If God wants to give a person heavy responsibilities and great responsibilities, he must first "suffer his mind and work his muscles and bones" so that he can cultivate perseverance, especially outstanding virtues, in adversity. If human nature is good, then the right way in life is to choose good and stubborn. Choosing the good requires wisdom, and stubbornness requires courage. Once accomplished, happiness will never cease.

3. Happiness comes from the heart

　　Any set of good philosophy, after explaining the truth, will make people calm and make people live happily and meaningfully. Confucianism is no exception. Mencius pointed out: There are three kinds of happiness better than "the king of the world."

　　 One is "parents exist, brothers for no reason". This is not narrow-minded familyism, but a smooth promotion step that considers the operation of human nature. For example, when my parents are still alive, when I meet older people, it is easier for me to "get old and old." When my brothers and sisters are safe, I meet classmates, colleagues, and friends, and it is easier to promote brotherhood. The result is: my goodness develops smoothly, and my human nature is getting better.

　　 The second is "to look up to the sky, but not to bow to others". Regardless of whether I am facing the sky or the person, I have no guilt, and my heart is bright, so comfortable.

　　The third is "to get the world's talents and educate them." Talents refer to young people who are motivated. I share my experience and experience with younger generations. It will definitely help the future development of the entire society. Why not?

In addition to these three kinds of happiness over the emperor, Mencius also said: "Everything is ready for me, reflexive and sincere, happy!" It means: I have nothing for everything, as long as I reflect on myself and be sure of myself Being completely sincere, there is no other greater happiness in the world. This kind of happiness comes from the heart and is something everyone can enjoy and cherish.

　　4. Personality improvement never ends

　　 The big man in Mencius's words is "the rich cannot be licentious, the poor cannot be moved, and the mighty cannot be subdued". The courage and charm of these three sentences is what everyone yearns for. In the book "Mencius", there are many similar descriptions, such as "getting the will and the people, not having the will to go on its own way"; "the poor will be good for the body alone, and the good will be good for the world". It can be seen that Mencius always cares about personal social responsibility, and it is when this responsibility is undertaken that personal dignity and value are realized.

　　 Mencius often talked about "heaven and earth". For example, the aura of Haoran can be "stuffed between heaven and earth"; a true gentleman can "flow up and down with heaven and earth." What he meant was: No matter how big the world is, my spiritual power can still be absorbed and filled, and it can still communicate with my soul and coexist harmoniously. Mencius's study of Confucian thought and reviewing the past to learn the new fully demonstrated the joyful sentiments of Confucian philosophy, which deserves our appreciation.