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 2725

ACTIONS AND THEIR RETRIBUTIONS.
24
. 5. 'Moreover, when parties by wrong and violence take the money of others, an account is taken, and set Conclusion of against
ne against its amount, of their wives and the whole children, and all the members of their
matter. families, when these gradually die. If they do not die, there are the disasters from water, fire, thieves, and robbers, from losses of property, illnesses, and (evil) tongues to balance the value of their wicked appropriations 1 Further, those who wrongfully kill men are (only) putting their weapons into the hands of others who will in their turn kill them?
"To take to one's self unrighteous wealth is like satisfying one's hunger with putrid foods, or one's thirst with poisoned wine. It gives a temporary relief, indeed, but death also follows it.
'Now when the thought of doing good has arisen in a man's mind, though the good be not yet done, the good Spirits are in attendance on him. Or, if the thought of doing evil has arisen, though the evil be not yet done, the bad Spirits are in attendance on him.
If one have, indeed, done deeds of wickedness, but afterwards alters his way and repents, resolved not to do anything wicked, but to practise reverently
1 These sentences are rather weak. Nothing is said of any recompense to the parties who have been robbed. The thief is punished by the death of others, or the loss of property.
? A somewhat perplexing sentence. Julien gives for it: 'Ceux qui font périr des hommes innocens ressemblent à des ennemis qui échangent leurs armes et se tuent les uns les autres;' and Watters :-“Those who put others to death wrongly are like men who exchange arms and slay each other.'
8 Literally, soaked food that has been spoiled by dripping water.'
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