Chinese Wisdom:

Taking the Initiative versus Passivity

When a person is unable to motivate himself to learn new things and complete projects, relying on others for direction and encouragement, he will not only fail to obtain positive results, but both sides will be unhappy.
When a person understands the importance of studying and the necessity of hard work, he will naturally concentrate on his studies and work diligently. Moreover, he will study his subject thoroughly and complete his projects to the best of his ability. When a person is passive and fails to take the initiative, his lazy attitude, procrastination and various negative habits will eventually show up. Like an old ox pulling a cart, he will only move when his master strikes him. He not only inspires the pity of others, but wastes his own time as well. In the end, he fails to achieve anything worthwhile.
No matter what you do, it is best to take the initiative and bring whatever you undertake to a successful conclusion.

Translation by Fr. Joe Matteucig, s.x.

On the Stork Tower

The sun beyond the mountains glows;
the Yellow River seawards flows.
You can enjoy a grander sight
by climbing to a greater height.

Wang ZhiHuan

Chinese Wisdom:

The Ball and the Square Box

“There is a ball and a square box on the table. The ball can never be placed securely. With every careless move, it will roll off the table. The square box, on the other hand, is very stable and won’t change its position. From this example, we can deduct a general principle. Smooth talkers are good at pleasing people. It seems like they are very good at personal relationships, but in reality they are very unreliable. Straightforward people are candid and fair. They don’t take advantage of people or use clever tricks. They stand firm. So, let’s not be smooth talkers who try to please people. Let’s keep ourselves square and straight. Conducting ourselves with dignity and honesty is the best policy.” 

Translation by Fr. Joe Matteucig, s.x.

Ballad on Climbing Youzhou Tower

Witness not the sages of the past,
perceive not the wise of the future,
reflecting on heaven and earth eternal,
tears flowing down I lament in loneliness.

Chen Zi'ang

Chinese Wisdom:

The Lesson of the Tree

One day, I saw a sturdy young tree growing from a large bare rock. Its roots came from a crack in the rock and didn’t seem to be touching any soil, yet its leaves were surprisingly green and health.I knelt down and put my ear to the ground to listen. I heard a small stream flowing below. This was how the tree got the water it needed for life. We can learn from the tree to seek the source of wisdom and grow by it.

Translation by Fr. Joe Matteucig, s.x.

Chinese Wisdom:

Making it to the Top

A popular proverb says: “Humility is a step to nobility; lowliness is the ladder leading to the top.” People usually aim at quick success, hoping to get to heaven in one step. If they can’t do it this way, they feel discouraged and are unable to deal with setbacks. In fact, when a silkworm becomes a moth, it has to be in a cocoon for a period of time until its wings are fully developed. Only then can it break out of its cocoon and fly. Before we can make it to the top, we have to bury ourselves in knowledge and humility until we are ready to try our wings.

Translation by Fr. Joe Matteucig, s.x.

Prayer of a Father for his Son

Loving God, bless my son:
give him perseverance and courage
that he may accept his own weaknesses,
and know what saves him in temptation
that he may not be overcome by failure
and be humble in times of success.
Strengthen his character,
that he may not seek selfish gain
and that he will know You,
the foundation of all Wisdom.
Guide him, o Lord.
May he not live for pleasure and excessive power,
but learn also from the thorns on the road,
that he may be strong in adverse winds
and bad seasons of life.
Teach him, Lord,
to respect and love even those who fail to love,
give him a pure heart and great ideals.
And if, one day, he will lord over others,
may he first learn how to lord himself.
Grant him strength, o Lord,
to joyfully accept the lessons of the past
and to serenely wait for the future.
Give him both joy and knowledge,
make him sensitive and humble.
In this way, I will be overjoyed as his father,
and my life will be meaningful.
Amen.