Text of Confucianism Part 01

SR No.: 007675
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: James Legge
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1879
Total Pages: 2829
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 50 MB

Page 1939

SECT. II.
KUNG YUNG.
321
25. Perfection is seen in (its possessor's) selfcompletion; and the path (which is its embodiment), in its self-direction.
26. Perfection is (seen in) the beginning and end of (all) creatures and things. Without this perfection there would be no creature or thing.
27. Therefore the superior man considers perfection as the noblest of all attainments.
28. He who is perfect does not only complete himself; his perfection enables him to complete all other beings also. The completion of himself shows the complete virtue of his nature; the completion of other beings shows his wisdom. (The two) show his nature in good operation, and the way in which the union of the external and internal is effected.
29. Hence, whenever he exercises it, (the operation) is right.
30. Thus it is that entire perfection is unresting; unresting, it continues long; continuing long, it evidences itself; evidencing itself, it reaches far; reaching far, it becomes large and substantial; large and substantial, it becomes high and brilliant.
31. By being large and substantial it contains (all) things. By being high and brilliant, it overspreads (all) things. By reaching far and continuing long, it completes (all) things. By its being so large and substantial, it makes its possessor) the coequal of earth; by its height and brilliancy, it makes him the co-equal of heaven; by its reaching far and continuing long, it makes him infinite.
32. Such being his characteristics, without any manifestation he becomes displayed ; without any movement he effects changes; without any exertion [28]
Digilized by Google