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THE TEXTS OF TÂOISM.
BK, IV.
is what is called being a fellow-worker with other men.
Fully declaring my sentiments and substantiating them by appealing to antiquity, I shall be a co-worker with the ancients. Although the words in which I convey my lessons may really be condemnatory (of the ruler), they will be those of antiquity, and not my own. In this way, though straightforward, I shall be free from blame. This is what is called being a co-worker with antiquity. May I go to Wei in this way, and be successful ?' No indeed!' said Kung-ni. “How can you do so ? You have too many plans of proceeding, and have not spied out (the ruler's character). Though you firmly adhere to your plans, you may be held free from transgression, but this will be all the result. How can you (in this way) produce the transformation (which you desire)? All this only shows (in you) the mind of a teacher !'
2. Yen Hui said, 'I can go no farther; I venture to ask the method from you. Kung-ni replied, 'It is fasting !, (as) I will tell you. (But) when you have the method, will you find it easy to practise it ? He who thinks it easy will be disapproved of by the bright Heaven.' Hui said, 'My family is poor. For months together we have no spirituous drink, nor do we taste the proscribed food or any strong-smelling vegetables ? ;-—can this be regarded as fasting ?' The reply was, “It is the fasting appropriate to sacrificing, but it is not the fasting
1 The term is emphatic, as Confucius goes on to explain.
2 Such as onions and garlic, with horse, dog, cow, goose, and pigeon.
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