Chapter 6.

Kong Zi said, "When a student is at home, let him be filial, when abroad, respectful of his elders; let him be ircumspect and truthful and, while exhiiting a comprehensive love for all men, let him ally himself with the good.  Having acted thusly, if he have energy to spare, let him undertake polite studies."

To me, this is all about position and propriety.  Regardless of where I go, I have position and responsibilities.  With my parents it is to be loving and caring.  At work it is to be diligent and careful.  With my wife, it is to be loving and stern.

Why must I observe the propriety so carefully?  Because it leads to harmony.  Taming the ego and accepting my position in the universe, this is truly a joy.  As Kong Zi states, I can abide by the strict propriety out of love of all beings.  Just as with Leila at home, if I fail to take up my position, her entire life will suffer.  Though I am small in the cosmos, I am an integral part.  It feels to me that there are no unimportant parts, so all this insecurity and worthlessness that I carry from my past and my youth is just bullshit that I need to throw away.  Respect myself and I will naturally be calm.  Further, from the statement, "when abroad...", I know that as I engage myself in daily activities, whether it is buying a coffee, or serving people at Eat, that I carry the Tao seal on my back, as well as that as my parents and ancestors heritage.  Every thing I say must be in line with respect and filial piety.  I cannot allow myself to bring them shame, and all my actions should be thusly weighed.

And just a reminder to maintain my trimutive goal for this Year of the Rabbit.  Correct my concept with introspection, see how to apply all I have learned in daily life, and moderate distractions.  Naturally I will be stable.  This means that in my free time, I should maintain focus and undertake worthwhile pursuits.  Not waste time.  But me moderate.  Just like with a GS set, its not quantity, but quality of focus. Stop.