Chapter 4.

I know now that I have never achieved anything by thinking or trying.  Much more inspired to WORK toward allowing my True Self to be in charge.  In the lead.

Chapter 4.

The Sage Tseng said, "Every day I examine myself on three points... in planning for others have I failed in my conscientiousness?  In interaction with friends have I been insincere?  And, have I failed to practice what I have been taught?"

I have hesitated working on this chapter.  It shames me because I have no excuse.  I have been taught by the best.  I have been taught the Natural way.  Its all in there, stored in the memory banks of my computer brain.  Now it is up to me to really start to put it into practice.  It is not too late (it never really is)

At the same time, I don't want to start to beat myself up or be down on myself.  One, that is never helpful.  Two, it will simply set me back into the cycles of my Christian karma.  No Right.  No Wrong.  If I am going to truly be a humble person, I have to accept that some lessons are going to be very difficult and shameful.  Just like some sets are so hard.  But I can keep going.  Yes, the bells may get put down for now.  But I will watch the 'tape' and come back with a better approach. 

Anyway, these three sayings give me a lot of food for thought and opportunity to introspect.  I have several people that are very good mirrors for me that I deal with on a daily basis.  They form the core of my family.  Amanda.  Seth.  Jordan.  These are the people that I can constantly check for insincerity in my words and deeds.  Further, looking back to an earlier chapter, am I really respecting the propriety and the order.  Its not above and below Michael.  Its just position and Nature.  And second, I have customers every day for whom I do ALOT of preparation.  Yes they are poisoned.  Yes they have dharma.  Yes they are annoying and insincere and greedy and manipulative and self centered and asses of the first degree.   None of that should matter.  I am supposed to be on the path of Saint King Wen.  No excuses.  What did ML say to me on day 1 back?  Lead with benevolence.  Remember Hui-Neng's sutra.  When all I see is my own shortcomings, then that will really be something. Check myself on these three items three times a day.  Let's see where that gets me.  PUT ALL THIS LEARNING INTO PRACTICE!!!!!!!!!  Stop here.