Chapter 8 third quarter

After resting for a while, I will continue to talk about "Mandate of Heaven" just now. Let me explain first, there are a dozen or so people from the nearby village who want to listen to your high-level lectures, and today they all crowded into this hut to participate in this kind of gathering of your young people.Some of them came before the break and did not say hello in advance, please forgive me for that. In addition, among the people present today, one has acquaintance with Confucius once, and another has listened to Confucius' lectures in the lecture hall of the State of Lu.These two people are now old and hard of hearing, but since they know Confucius, they are still invited to sit in special seats at such gatherings.Most of the people from the village are middle-aged and elderly, and there are also three or two young people. They can also express their opinions when necessary.

In this way, my shanty looks a bit messy in the afternoon. Now let's listen to everyone's high opinions on the issue of "destiny", and also share my views.There is still plenty of time until dark.Just now you have expressed various thoughts and opinions on what Confucius said, "know the destiny at fifty", and there are many interesting opinions among them.I summarize these as follows. Confucius said: "Fifty to know the destiny", he set the time to know the destiny at fifty years old.When Confucius looked back on the path he had traveled in his life in his later years, he must have felt that he first knew the "Mandate of Heaven" when he was fifty or so.

Confucius was almost expelled from the state of Lu, fled to the state of Wei, and wandered in the Central Plains. That was when he was fifty-five years old.Before that, when he was young, he had been to the state of Qi, but otherwise he lived in the state of Lu. The question is what kind of life Confucius lived in his own country, Lu, when he was fifty years old and knew the destiny.Everyone has done research on the situation of Confucius in this period, and I have also heard some things from Confucius. Putting it all together, we can get a glimpse of the situation at that time. In the ninth year of Lu Dinggong (501 BC), Confucius was fifty-one years old.At this time, Confucius became more and more famous as an educator, and his disciples increased rapidly.At that time, Confucius became an official for the first time and was appointed as the governor of Zhongdu.

In the tenth year of Duke Ding of Lu, Confucius was fifty-two years old.He was promoted from Zhongdu Zai to Sikong, in charge of civil engineering work. In the early summer of this year, the monarchs of Lu and Qi met in Jiagu, and Confucius assisted Lu Dinggong to attend the meeting.At the meeting, Confucius did not succumb to the pressure of the big country Qi, but made the best use of the situation and regained the lost ground, so that the result of the meeting was beneficial to the State of Lu.During the Jiagu talks, Confucius showed his adaptability and magnanimous diplomatic skills, which made him famous in the Central Plains.

I personally know nothing about Confucius of this period.However, I have heard many times that he faced the great powers at the Jiagu Conference, and he was neither humble nor overbearing, showing respect and dealing with Yuru demeanor.And every time I listen to it, I believe in it, as if I was there.On that kind of international diplomatic occasion, Confucius clearly distinguishes right from wrong, speaks strictly of righteousness, humbles Fujian, and makes great speeches. There are very few people who can compete with him. After the Jiagu meeting in this year, Confucius was promoted to the chief of the army, and took charge of the judiciary and public security in the state of Lu.

So, what was the state of Lu, where Confucius was about to make a big splash? At that time, it was the political situation of the State of Lu about 50 years ago. Now everyone is doing detailed investigation and research separately. What I am talking about today is just a general overview of everyone. At that time, the biggest hidden danger of the Lu State in the era of Lu Dinggong was the so-called Sanhuan clan of the princely family, namely Jisun, Shusun, and Mengsun, which became increasingly powerful, resulting in the rapid decline of its parent Lu State.The national power of the Lu State was declining and its national defense was weak, but the Sanhuan family owned a vast territory, built strong castles in the fiefs, raised private soldiers, and each had ulterior motives.

Confucius fully opposed the oligarchic rule of the three ministers, and attempted to restore the monarchy of the Lu Kingdom. For this reason, he enforced several policies. In the 12th year of Lu Dinggong, he successfully demolished two castles in the Sanhuan family. These policies of Confucius seemed to breathe a fresh breath of innovation into the country's political institutions for a period of time, but due to the counterattack of the old forces, they ended in failure.Confucius had to resign from office and lost his status as a statesman and government official. In the thirteenth year of Lu Dinggong, Confucius was fifty-five years old.He left Lu Benwei, as if he was expelled.Followers Zilu, Zigong, Yanhui, and Ranqiu.From then on, Confucius began to travel and lobby the Central Plains for fourteen years.

In a word, Confucius’ political activities in Lu State achieved short-term success, but finally suffered counterattacks from traditional forces and finally failed, so that even he himself had to go into exile abroad. In the eleventh year of Duke Ai of Lu, Confucius ended his wandering life for fourteen years and returned to his hometown of Lu after a long absence.He was sixty-eight years old.Looking back on the past, he had a sudden realization, saying that he knows the destiny at fifty. "Mandate of Heaven" is composed of two characters "Heaven" and "Ming". The key is what kind of content and meaning these two characters express. What did Confucius feel when he was fifty years old?What have you learned?You said that in the study of Confucius, there are currently the most about "mandate of heaven", ranking first in the study of Confucius.I can understand that, since it's a fascinating research topic.

You also said that it seems that the study of Mandate is getting more and more active every year.I can also understand this, and it may become the most important part of the study of Confucius. Since I have lived in this deep mountain for more than 30 years, I always think about what is "heaven" and what is "mandate of heaven" several times a year, and often in the middle of the night, the posture is the same as now, sitting in this place, quietly alone. Think quietly. "Know the destiny at fifty." Confucius set the age of knowing the destiny at fifty, and he has just talked about his experience around the age of fifty.Talking about Confucius' destiny may not be separated from the historical and political events of his confrontation and struggle with the Sanhuan family, and his final defeat and exile.

Regarding the content of "Mandate of Heaven", there are generally two interpretations of what Confucius was referring to. One explanation is: Confucius began to have a strong sense of mission when he was around fifty years old, thinking that everything he did was a natural mission. Aware of this sense of mission, Confucius' job is to start from his surroundings bit by bit to transform this chaotic society.The first thing he set out to do was to bring order to the right direction for the Lu State, which gave birth to himself, cultivated himself, and now served as a statesman in this land.Because of this, Confucius shouldered the mission of talent and bravely fought against the old forces of Lu State.

Despite the sense of mission of this work, it turned out to be a disastrous failure, and Confucius had to go into exile in the Central Plains. Fourteen years later, Confucius returned to the capital of the State of Lu, reminiscing about the present and recalling the past, and he couldn't help saying with emotion: "At fifty, one knows the destiny." What kind of emotion was it that haunted his heart at that time?This allows people to do all kinds of imagination. "At that time, I realized the mission of my talent, and engaged in that work in an upright and aboveboard manner." ——This is a nostalgic, passionate mood. "Why is fate so bad, which job can't be carried out smoothly, and in the end it's a complete failure. Why doesn't God help me?!" ——This is the sad mood of burying the past that cannot be recalled. It seems that Confucius' mood at that time cannot be known without asking him himself. Therefore, different people will give different interpretations and interpretations to Confucius' saying "know the destiny at fifty". Here, I think, if I invite all of you here to briefly talk about "Confucius's destiny" or your own "my destiny", no matter whether it is magnificent or heroic, if Confucius was alive, he would definitely nod his head and smile , listening carefully. However, needless to say, the young people present here, even the elderly who have been in troubled times for decades, I am afraid no one will come out to give a speech no matter how invited.When I was resting in another room just now, everyone was talking about their "mandate of destiny" theory. I discussed with two or three people and asked them to discuss it formally at the meeting, but none of them accepted it. However, there are a few people whose opinions are clearly in my mind, and if you agree, I will introduce the main points to you. A few people expressed their disapproval to introduce "My Theory of Destiny" just now. Now I will hide the author's name and briefly introduce a few articles. First, "knowing the destiny of heaven" means knowing the mission entrusted to oneself by heaven.A person just knows what he should do.Confucius didn't realize this until he was fifty, so he said "you know the destiny at fifty".According to their different identities, each person perceives and understands the mission of destiny and talent.The time to know destiny varies from person to person.There are also people who are engaged in something of great value, but do not know the meaning of destiny, and are in an unconscious state of twilight. They do not realize that their original work has a natural mission until they are old. Confucius knew the destiny at the age of fifty, but I wish I knew the destiny before I was too old.Now I don't know what destiny is.Not yet realized.When I understand what my destiny is and what my career is given to me, I will devote my remaining years without reservation.Now sometimes although I try my best, the work is not fruitful.At times like this, I always think it's a bad day.I was naturally admonished by God.But don't think about these things now, let's review them carefully after I know the destiny. Second, I was not born as a master who could understand my natural mission.Good or bad luck depends on heaven, not on oneself but on others.Work sloppily and live with improvisation.Even in the face of fierce disasters and illnesses, he will never complain about others. But I pray to God every morning.Bow down to the sky.It's not about praying or asking for anything, but because of the vast and boundless sky above my head, I must pay my respects to the sky every day.Only in this way can I feel comfortable. As for why I feel comfortable like this, I can't say. Third, Confucius said that "you know the destiny at fifty", the key is the content of this destiny.I always felt horrible and inaccessible. Over the past year, I have thought hard and considered this question over and over again, and recently I finally came to this conclusion: the sky can only be seen from above.People, as long as they think it is the right thing, they will stick to it as their own career.Saying that this is the destiny is hard to understand.First of all, you must be upright, and engage in what you think is the right cause with integrity and magnanimity.But success or failure is unpredictable.Even if you fail after all kinds of hardships, you will gain something.Because it is the right cause. Some would say, who knows what your career is right about?What an idiot who says that.If I say that the sky is above and nothing can be hidden from the eyes of the sky, this kind of person will say that the sky can't speak, but can only watch.How stupid.The sky is not just looking at it, although the sky is silent, it is applauding us. Fourth, there is a choice between "believe in the destiny and obey the destiny" or "do everything according to the destiny".Recently, I have been thinking about this question every day, and I am hesitant.I would like to hear from you all. Fifthly, all blessings and misfortunes from heaven are safe to accept. ——In life, just work hard, life, old age, sickness, death, poverty, wealth, success or failure are all up to God. ——Be content with the destiny. ——Strive for life, regardless of success or failure. These four points are the ideal way of life for all people, but they are elusive. The "My Destiny Theory" of several people was introduced above.Just now a person from this village asked, "You have talked about many other people's affairs. In your own life, have you ever encountered such a sigh from the bottom of your heart as 'Ming Ye Fu,'? If so, please talk about it." This is a question that is difficult to answer, and it is also a request that is difficult to deal with. It is that I should not only talk about others, but also talk about myself.Since I have this request, I, Ji Jiang, of course have to say something, no matter if it is good or not.I have lived in troubled times for more than seventy years, and I have encountered "destiny" in various forms in my life. Looking back, there were two turning points in my life, or two stages in my life.Two things defined the change in my life path. One is that when I started my journey with Confucius, on a rainy, thunderous and lightning night, I saw Confucius sitting awe-inspiringly in the large main room of a dilapidated farmhouse, with Zilu and other disciples sitting around his back.Since then, I have made up my mind to serve Confucius and never leave his side. Another thing is that after the funeral of Confucius, I wandered aimlessly in the outskirts of the capital of Lu State like a nocturnal patient. I sat on the embankment of a big river, and Confucius' "Dead" came to my mind. Like a husband", thinking about his own life after the death of Confucius.From then on, I decided to spend the remaining years alone in the mountains and deep valleys. When I talked about my remaining years, I was actually only forty-two years old when I entered the mountain, a young recluse.Time flies like an arrow, and thirty years have passed in a flash. Over the past 30 years, the years have been boundless and the past is like a weaving. Is there a strong and dignified feeling in my heart that I sigh "Ah, life is my husband!" Have!Had such an experience.Now I will use a little time to talk about my understanding of destiny, so as to fulfill my duty as the moderator of today's seminar on destiny. That was a long time ago.I moved into this remote mountain village because there was an acquaintance of mine in this village. Their whole family took care of me enthusiastically and prepared a house for me. This is the house I live in now, and there are some parts of Susukida around. This acquaintance was met when I was working in the capital of the state of Song when I was young. He was a skilled water conservancy technician. After Confucius passed away, I met him again in the capital of the state of Lu.As soon as he heard that I planned to live in seclusion in a mountain village, he took me as his substitute and immediately sent me to his hometown, beside his parents. Now I will tell what happened in the house of the parents of my benefactor, a hydraulic engineer. For more than 30 years since I moved into this mountain village, I have been getting along very harmoniously with the family of the water conservancy technician who took care of me meticulously. We are as close as relatives. Of course, the old and the new have replaced each other, and now the people who live here are all younger generations.The current head of the household is the cousin of the water conservancy technician who sent me into the village. He is straightforward and simple, and his wife is also good-tempered.The couple inherited the family business and lived in a spacious house.This middle-aged couple was warm and kind, treated me like my own father, and took good care of me. Seven years ago, the couple had a girl.After one year old, my mother must bring her to me every day.In addition to helping me clean the room and cook, let me see her baby girl, which seems to be a quiet pleasure for her alone. The girl was very cute and cute, and my mother naturally liked it like a pearl in the palm of her hand.Every time I see her, I always want to reach out and hug this lovely little life, but she always nestles quietly in her mother's arms and refuses to let me hug her. But when she was about to pass her second birthday, one day, this young guest came to my house again. When she saw me, she smiled happily for some reason, her face was like a blooming flower, Breaking free from her mother's arms, she stretched out Bai Zi's tender little hand for me to hug. For the first time I held this little life in my arms and immediately returned her to her mother.At that time, I felt that there was nothing more beautiful and gentle than this little life in the world. I went out through the back door, picked a bouquet of wild flowers in the field, and put them in a small pot for the little girl to hold. It was my birthday present for her.For more than sixty years, I have lived in troubled times, and this day is the first time I have tasted kindness and kindness. What follows is the poignant thing.After the little girl came back from my house, she developed a fever that night.I was sick for a few days, and when the fever subsided, I lost my shape.She couldn't move her hands and feet, and her eyes were glazed.What divine punishment had befallen this innocent, innocent baby who was showing affection for the first time? After lying like this for more than a month, the young life finally died.However, in this remote mountain village, morning and evening still come and go, and the four seasons are as usual, as if nothing happened.The young girl’s parents are still alive today, and although I am old, she is still alive in this world. However, this kind of thing still happened under the sun.A beautiful and immature life, blooming like a flower, laughing and leaning out... Is it because of these things that God should be punished? Before I knew it, five years had passed. Life is also husband! Recently, I often look up to the sky in the middle of the night, and then bow my head and sigh: fate is my husband!Sitting by the fire, immersed in deep thoughts.