If we diligently carry out the things mentioned in the lines above and still have some time and energy left after that, then we should study more to expand our knowledge. Why is this? As mentioned before, if we possess talent and knowledge but lack a foundation in virtue, then our talent will only serve to help us do evil. On the other hand, if we have virtue but lack skills and knowledge, then we will not be able to transmit our understanding or to help and teach others. We will be like a newborn baby who cannot even stand up, much less do anything else. Therefore, it is important to study. However, the cultivation of virtue should come even before studying. That’s why the line says “whatever time you have left.” After first concentrating on the cultivation of virtue, we should spend some time studying.

In Confucius’ time, the scope of learning included the Book of Odes, the Book of History, and the six arts. It comprised both academic knowledge, such as from the six classics—the Book of Odes, the Book of History, the Book of Rites, the Book of Music, the Book of Change, and the Spring and Autumn Annals—as well as practical skills, such as the six arts—rites, music, archery, charioteering, writing, and arithmetic.

The Book of Odes is a compilation of songs and poems from the kings, scholars, officials, and common people of ancient China; they used songs to express their thoughts and feelings. The odes praised merit without flattering, remonstrated with negligent rulers without being overly harsh, and lamented fate without being excessive. If we study them, we can develop a gentle and honest nature.

The Book of History, which records the history of China in remote antiquity, can give us a more comprehensive understanding of the facts and principles and a more farsighted view. If we can understand the principles of music theory found in the Book of Music, it will expand our learning and make us more mellow and easy-going. The Book of Change, while used for divination purposes, is actually an exhaustive key to the changes of Nature through the four seasons. Thorough study of it will naturally give us a sense of awe for the universe; we will know when to retreat and guard our position, and when to forge ahead. The Book of Rites sets forth in detail the various rules of etiquette for interacting with others and conducting ourselves in the world. If we learn these rules, we will gain the respect of others, have more self-esteem, and be more thrifty. By studying the Spring and Autumn Annals, in which Confucius praised and disparaged the attitude and conduct of kings and officials, we can learn the proper way to speak in a variety of situations.

The study of these six classics can refine our character in six different ways. The six arts are six practical disciplines. The study of rites and music instills in us a sense of dignity and harmony. Archery and charioteering are excellent forms of training that require the combined use of wit and physical strength. Writing, or calligraphy, tempers our aggressiveness and arrogance; arithmetic strengthens our mental agility. These were all subjects that students in ancient China were required to study. The elements of moral education, academic study, physical education, and social training are present in them. We can see that, compared to modern people, the ancients were not behind at all. Just as today’s schools have their curriculum, here it says that in whatever time we have left after we have applied effort in cultivating virtue, we should devote ourselves to studying these subjects. In that way, we will have both inner cultivation and external knowledge and skills; we will have both elegance and substance.

Confucius had a well-known student named Zhong You, also called Zilu. As a person, Zilu was filial, brave, trustworthy, righteous, straightforward, and unpretentious. But he was also very reckless. Before he became Confucius’ student, he had always depended on his bravery and looked down on the intellectuals who knew only how to recite from books and who cultivated courteous manners and yielded to others. The first time he went to see Confucius, he marched in with an awesome martial spirit, a long pheasant feather stuck in his cap, a long sword sheathed in bearskin hanging from his waist. But Confucius’ relaxed, gentle, and courteous manner caught him off guard. They had an archery match, during which Confucius was also calm and relaxed. Confucius shot confidently and hit the bull’s eye every time. Zilu was embarrassed and ashamed of himself. He hurried back and changed into a scholar’s robes, and then he went to visit Confucius formally and to bow to Confucius as his teacher. However, while it is not easy to move mountains and rivers, it is even harder for a person to change his character. Zilu was not a student who was easy to teach and subdue. He once asked his teacher, “An arrow made from the tall, straight bamboo growing on South Mountain will shoot straight and far. Likewise, if a man has a good character, that should be enough; what need is there to seek refinement in learning?” Confucius used the same analogy to answer Zilu, saying, “If one adds a metal tip to that bamboo arrow and feathers to its shaft, won’t it shoot even farther and strike even deeper?”

Hearing that answer, Zilu was inspired to concentrate on his studies, and he eventually became a very capable individual.

We have discussed the eight verses of the first chapter, which explains the principle and meaning of the text. The following chapters will individually explain the concepts of being filial, being respectful to elders, being careful, being trustworthy, being kind and friendly to all, drawing near to good people, and studying.

Volunteer Teachers Wanted

The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas (CTTB) needs long-term volunteer teachers to teach a variety of courses at the elementary, high school, and university levels. We welcome capable individuals who have a firm resolve, do not crave benefits, and will follow the Six Guidelines of CTTB: not contending, not being greedy, not seeking, not being selfish, not pursuing personal gain, and not lying. People who are ready to leave an urban life-style and want to lead a simple but fulfilling spiritual life are welcome to apply for a volunteer teaching position. We are also looking for people with backgrounds in physical education, gardening, handicrafts, and dormitory counseling. There are no restrictions of age, gender or nationality.  Please contact Prof. Chiang Chi-fu at CTTB, Talmage, CA 95481-0217, U.S.A., Tel: (707) 462-0939. Please write: "Application for Volunteer Teaching" on the envelope. Other volunteers are also welcome to join in the work at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, regardless of their educational backgrounds.