March 8

Being receptive to everything when studying

One will become a great person in the future
Being open to suggestions when researching,
one will be more thoughtful when implementing.

The path of the world is not only about geographical

surroundings: other paths include financial, political, interrelationships, social-networking, knowledge and others. Every
path will lead us to our destined position.
If you want to be prosperous, there will be a path to
make your fortune. Capital, diligence, good affiliations,
accommodating and benefiting others and overcoming
difficulties are the paths to making fortune. Banks, employees
and skillful means are also your paths. Without these paths
you do not have the good condition to make a fortune.
When working a career, you should have a career
path. Good affiliates, good products, and good ability to
mobilize capable people and good resources are also the
paths that lead you to a good career.
When dealing with human relationships, you have to
understand the path too. For example, loving words,
beneficial actions, charitable contributions, friendship,
accommodating others and honesty are the paths that lead
us to good social relationships.
You also need a path to get along with your
superiors and fellow subordinates in order to have a good

working team. If you can do well with all these things, you are
on the right path to achieve success in the future.

Read, Reflect and Act:

We can achieve success if we can access all paths.

March 9
Unity brings harmony, and vice versa
Sharing the workload requires cooperation
and vice versa.

In the universe, only when conditions of earth, water,

fire and wind work together, can everything grow well.
Similarly, only when the condition for wood, sand and stone
are met, can a house be built. There are also various
organizations such public-owned corporations, capital sharing
corporations, partnerships and multi-national corporations.
In the international arena, there are republics,
monarchies, countries, states, and the United Nations. A sand
hill is formed through an accumulation of sand and stones. A
river or an ocean is formed through an accumulation of water
that flows across land and to the ocean. In a united group,
one can grow bigger, taller and more accomplished.
It is vital to work together as well as to know how to
share the workload. We can manage our tasks well and fulfill
our responsibilities by sharing the workload. All workers must
understand unity, and thus be able to cooperate with one
another as a team.
March 10

Medicine is neither a good nor bad; it is

good as long as it cures an illness.
Dharma is neither good nor bad; it I good
as long as it guides us to the right path.

By sharing the workload and being cooperative, one

can establish a kind of unspoken connection among the team
players. It is like three-legged race, in which people run in
pairs, the right leg of the runner tied to the left leg of the other.
Participants run in the unison so that they can make up for
each others weaknesses.
In our human body, our eyes, ears, nose, tongue
perform they functions; these is sharing the workload. When
our five fingers form a fist, it signifies cooperation. However,
all six senses must work and accordance and freely so that a
man can be healthy physically. When it comes to war, there is
also strategy called advancing in separate ways but
attacking together. It means the entire army advances
through different routes toward the same target in order to
defeat the enemy. That is why we have to cooperate when we
work and share the workload fairly.
An organization is well administered when its
members can work in cooperation. A person who can share
the workload will have a better and wider social network.

Read, Reflect and Act:

Cooperate others without any reservations: share the
workload fairly.

Both Jiu Fanggao and Bo Le were renowned horse

experts in the spring and Autumn Period. Jiu Fanggao was
asked by Duke Mu of Qin to help him search for an
extremely rare horse. After much effort, Jiu Fanggao finnaly
found the best horse he had ever come across and informed
Duke Mu of Qin immediately. Duke Mu of Qin inquired about
the color and the sex of the horse. Jiu Fanggao replied that it
was a yellow stallion.
Duke Mu of Qin then rushed with excitement to see
the horse. However, when he saw that it was a black mare,
he questioned Jiu Fanggao answered steadily. Honestly I
was not sure if I was a yellow or a black stallion, or mare.
But I am very confident that it is a very good horse. With a
doubt, Duke Mu of Qin sent someone to test the horse. The
horse indeed galloped very fast and definitely a good horse.
March 11
`

It is better to create opportunity for good

causes and conditions
than to idle away waiting for them to occur.

Years ago, when someone talked about the efficient

administration of a country, they said. The German will
complete a task even before they talk about it; The Japanese
will Act while planning; the Chinese will only talk but never
act. All of these are attributes of different peoples. It is like
the popular story The tortoise and the Haze. The
complacent haze was too lazy to run and in the end the
tortoise reached the finish line first.
In another example, there were two people. One was
a rich man and the other poor. They each consider going on a
pilgrimage to a mountain. The rich man thought that since he
could quickly complete the trip by driving his car to the

When Bo Le knew about it, he praised Jiu Fanggao , Jiu

Fanggao is indeed a horse expert. The only thing he cares
about is a good and race horse, not the sex or color of the
horse.
This story tells us that, it is enough to have only one
good attribute, even we have only that one good skill. We
should not expect other to meet many different demands and
condition we set. What is the point of one knowing
everything but to be good at nothing?

Read, Reflect and Act:

It is unusual even if we only have one good skill. Do
not be a jack of all tracks.
mountain he would do it the following year. As a result, he
filled his wish. Meanwhile, the poor man accomplished his
goal on foot within a year.
It is better to act than merely to talk. These days,
people do not want things to be done at a snails pace.
People care about speed; an airplane, a train or a car has to
be fast. Speed represents quality and value. Anything that
moves slowly instead of efficiently and quickly will be
abandoned eventually regardless of whether it is a person or
an object.
Just like setting up a factory or a business, rather than
being jealous of how profitable other factories or business
are, we should focus on their efficiency. Even Buddhist
practitioners should not procrastinate. They need to attain
certain accomplishment within a specified time period. In the
face of our limited lifetime, we should do everything with
efficiency and finesse and not waste our previous time like a
centipede putting on shoes.

Read, Reflect and Act:

March 12
Life is like a sailing boat, we should sail
on which confidence regardless of place and time
Life is like a battle field, we should
march on with courage regardless of safety or
danger.
According to the research of a zoologist, the fierce
and strong qualities of eagles are related to their feeding
habits. Eagles hatch an average of four to five baby eagles
each time but are unable to feed each one equally. The nests
are located at very high places, so it is very difficult for the
parents to bring food back and forth to their babies. The
stronger baby eagles will fight for the food and survive while
the weaker one will finally die of hunger. This is why eagles
are skillful in killing other creatures for food, have sharp
eyesight and are aggressive and strong.
This story tells us that fairness and justice may not
always necessarily be the best development principle for an
organization. If there is no proper system for removing the old
and the inefficient, an organization may lag behind in this
March 13
Convince others with reasoning
Restrain reckless acts with calmness
Influence the world with sincerity
Subdue the enemy with kindness and compassion.

Anything that is sluggish and slow instead of efficient

and quick will be eliminated eventually regardless of the
whether it is person or an object.

development. Just like the theory of evolution, only the

strong one will survive. An organization will be eliminated if
greater attention is given to upholding trivial principles.
Competition is the driving force behind progress. To
compete with other people is not about defeating and
destroying them but enhancing our own strength through selfawareness, taking the initiative, and self-motivation. For
example, if we want to be knowledgeable, we must have
cultivation, broad knowledge, foresight and an open mind.
Living in the age of globalization, we must learn international
languages and have a global view in order to be able to
compete internationally.

Read, reflect and Act:

If there is no proper system for eliminating the old and
the inefficient, an organization may lag behind in its
development.

The most successful negotiation is to put oneself in

the others shoes and consider the good points of the other
side. This is because the vast gap between two parties in a
negotiation usually arises from different points of view. It is
necessary to first eliminate the opposing circumstances
between two parties and then reach a mutually beneficial

situation by eliminating the gap and he building mutual

recognition.
A negotiation is not an accusation. Although there are
different stances in a negotiation and sometimes bargaining
is involved, the principle of fairness and justice is always
essential. In A negotiation, one must involve principles,
roles, reasoning and thoughtfulness; otherwise one is not a
good negotiator. When negotiating, if both parties are unable
to reach a mutual agreement, they can find a mutually
acceptable third party for help and postpone the negotiation
to another date in order to conduct more thorough research.
They could seek an expert with good negotiating skills after
looking into the other partys problems and finding more
information. They could then continue the negotiation at a
later date.
There must always be a back up plan if
negotiating break down or no agreement is
March 14

Good time management brings happiness.

Self-enrichment brings knowledge.
Self-reliant and self-discipline bring
Peace and security
Self-motivation brings success.

People make plans, sometimes for providing for their

family, sometimes for finances. Therefore there are all kinds
of ways to plan and measure. Sometimes, even some friends
plan tricks against one another, well some make for strategic
purposes. In short, regardless of whether the matter is

researched. There is always room for further

negotiation in the future as long as a mutual
relationship is maintained.
We have to acknowledge the other partys
strength in a negotiaton. We should not simly attack
and criticize the oher party, because it will worsen the
situation. If we have made a mistake, we should
admit it and make a concression. In short, agood
negotiatior can create a win-win situations and a
happy ending for both parties involved.

Read, Reflect and Act:

A good negotiator can create a win-win situation and
a happy ending for both parties involved in a negotiation

important or trivial, or whether the person makes the plan is

great or common, almost everyone in the world makes plans.
In fact, there is nothing with planning an endeavor. For
example, someone who manages time well is called a time
planner. Those who are knowledgeable in planning usually
have contingency plans-Plan A, Plan B or Plan C. We have to
be very careful about the related causes and combination as
well as the relationship involved when working on a matter.
That is why we need to make different plans for different
situations. When we face difficult situations, we need to
consider how to overcome them. Similar to issues about
environmental protection; we need to make long-term plans
for the benefit of our country and for future generations.

Making plans is an insightful thought process and

a word of wisdom. If you want to survive and have a
peaceful, safe life; we would be wise to plan for the
present and future.

is diligent. So if we can make the best pan for our life, we

can reap the harvest to benefit the country, people,
society, and the public, and thus make beneficial
contribution to our country.

These days, we plan for everything, such as for

planning for education, planning for romance, planning for
livelihood, planning for starting a family. There is as
saying, the best moment in a year is spring, the best
moment in a day is the morning, and the best plan in life

Read, Reflect And Act:

March 15

Planning in spring every year will certainly

lead to an autumn harvest.
Always lending a helping hand
will in return receives help.
Abstaining from unwholesome thoughts will
certainly not bring unwholesome retribution. Abstaining
from interfering in others affairs will certainly not bring
trouble.
Someone who has great insight about a situation is an
outstanding person. In examining the people of today and the
past that really had great insight about a situation, let us begin
with Confucius He gave up his governmental post in La in 1945;
Emperor
Hirohito of
Japan immediately surrendered
unconditionally to the Allied army because he realized that Japan
was incapable of continuing the war. This showed he had a clear
understanding of the situation.
During the Three Kingdom Era in ancient China, before
Liu Bei established his own kingdom, he worked submissively for

Making good plans is an insightful thought process

in a word of wisdom.
the Cao party. He was careful and avoided competing with Cao.
Thus Liu Bei had insight about the situation. About the Chu-Han
Contention, Liu Bang was too weak so fight with Xiang Yu. So he
had no choice but to attend the Hongmen banquet held by Xiang
Yu. Liu Bang understood the situation and so he always showed
his humility to Xiang Yu.
However, throughout history there have also been
some people who have no insight about situation. For
example, Yuan Shikai did not care about peoples opinions
and declared himself as emperor. The former president of
Taiwan, Mr. Li Denghui, although he is no longer in the
office, will still not relinquish of one of the policies that he
once implemented. Is this a good practice?
Saying that someone who has insight about a
situation is an outstanding person means that the person
avoids taking. Putting himself or herself at risk in any given
situation. There is an old saying, When you live
someones roof, you cannot lower your head. If we know
when to yield, when to make changes according to
situation, when to stop at the right time, and most
importantly, the causes and the conditions of the situation,
then we will be the wise person who clearly sees and
understand a situation.

Read, reflect and Act

March 16
There may be many opportunities in
difficult times
There will be limitless achievements in
hard work.
Therefore, we should not escape from
difficulties and hardships but face
them instead.
When a crisis happens, we try not to panic but to face
it calmly. No matter what kind of crisis it is, we have to
understand its cause, avoid complicating the situation, and
find the best way to resolve it. Indeed, when facing crisis, only
calmness and quick wits can resolve it. Panicking and being
agitated will not help you.
A news agency in the United State once held a quiz
competition. The question was: There were three
professionals, a scientist, an environmental protectionist and
a grain expert, flying in a hot-air balloon. Unfortunate, the
balloon had a leak and was not unable to carry enough
March 17

Have a plan before you act.

Have budget before you spend money
Set a goal before you practice.
Have a hope for the future.

Someone who has insight about situation is an

outstanding person means that the person avoids putting
himself at risk in any given situation.
weight. One of the passengers had to jump out in order to
reduce the weight. However, all three passengers were
experts in their professions who were highly related to the
livelihood of human beings. So who should be taken out of
the hot-air balloon? All those who are participated in the quiz
had their reasons for their own answers. Finally, little boy won
in the quiz with his answer. Throw the fattest one out of the
balloon.
When the handling a crisis, in the first place, we
ought to have the general knowledge to identify the crisis
itself. Second, we need to be flexible in order to cope with
any changes. Third, we should remain calm. Fourth, we
can be successful if we have the good causes and
conditions that we have cultivated in the past. Once we
have all these four conditions, overcoming a crisis is not
too difficult.

Read, Reflect and Act:

Only with calmness and quick wits can one solve
the problems encountered when facing a crisis.
We must have some methods when handling matters
related to our families and society so that we can handle them
smoothly.
However, is the method used good or bad? There are
some people who do not treat others honestly. In order to
take advantage of others they cheat and lie without hesitation
whenever and wherever they can. These are definitely
morally bad methods. There are also some business

entrepreneurs who compete with one another and we use all

kinds of means to cause their competitors to suffer
extensively. This act is equally destructive. There are
countries using different kinds of strategies such as
threatening, oppression, forceful suppression, and temptation
of material gain, etc. These means used to force acceptance
from others are strongly discouraged.
Regardless of whether or not it is skillful, if a
necessary method is required to deal with a difficult problem,
is should be acceptable. For example, it is acceptable and
polite for a daughter-in-law to praise her parents-in-law for no
real reason in order to please them. Similarly, parents can be
effective by using encouraging, inspiring and rewarding
means to encourage their children to study diligently.
March 18
Know a persons strength when you
employ him
Know a persons weakness when you
teach him.
Managing human resources is only effective by
showing our affection, protection and caring attitude. Parents
give us conditional love to their children while taking care of
them: superiors care about their subordinate while managing
them. Without the caring attitude of superiors, subordinates
will be hard to manage.
Sometimes management is overcommitted when
showering care upon subordinates. Subordinates then
become bold and unwilling to obey their superiors. At this
point, some discipline and reasoning should be applied.
These days, reasoning of ethics such as order of seniority,

Are the different means used good or bad? If they

are used to take advantage of others, they are definitely
morally bad. If the objective is to solve a crisis, then
undoubtedly they are good. For example, Meditation
Master Fei Xi used is supernatural power in order to settle
a battle between two armies: Avalokitesvera Bodhisattva
used an image of a beautiful woman to teach people.
These are skillful means used with good intention.

Read, Reflect and Act:

Regardless of whether or not it is skillful, if a
necessary method is requiring dealing with a difficult
problem, it should be acceptable.
differentiation between the honorable and the common,
parents and children, and superiors and subordinates, may
help bring subordinates into submission.
Nonetheless, when reasoning is not effective, the
code of ethics or discipline has to be enforced. This is why
there are in laws in a country, the military, organizations and
schools. Only with discipline is there fairness and justice in
the management of people and the handling of matters.
Modern managerial skills can be learned from
Matsushita Konosuke, The founder of Panasonic. When he
was managing a company of one hundred employees, he
worked with them and led them by setting a good example.
When he was managing a company of ten thousanad of
employees and putting his palms together to thank yhm for
their hard work, sent them his blessing. This is the real
wisdom of management indeed.

Read, Reflect and Act:

Only with discipline, can manage people and matters

in fair and just manner.

March 19

exposure and vacations. If you really want them to employ

them, you need to help them in solving their problems
concerning their family, room and board and transportation,
etc. Actually you have to be useful to them before you can
fully access their usefulness. This is what we have called be
a volunteer for a volunteer.

Those who are worthy to be use to others

are worth something
Those who are willing to be use to others
will be someone.
Those who are unable to be use to others
will not be successful
Those who refuse to be of use to others will
have no achievement.
The philosophy of employing people for a good
purpose is actually the wisdom of human resources
management. It is easy to manage work, money and matters,
but the hardest of all is to manage people.
Humans cannot be good at everything. Each of us has
or strength and weaknesses. Some people do not even know
their own strength. Therefore, they need wise superiors to
recognize their strength, just like embarking on an expedition
to find treasure in the jungle.

When putting people to good use, we have to give

them our full support. Superiors should not see their
subordinates as just co-workers but as their partners.
They should support their subordinates in different aspect
of their life such as in moral sense, relationships, thought
and spirituality. The relationship between a superiors and
subordinate is similar to that of a master and disciple in
religion, and a teacher and a student in a school. The best
philosophy of human resource management is to help
employees to work not only from their physical boy but
also from their heart.

Read, Reflect and Act:

We need to know those who are employed by us are

human beings, not objects. They are people with special
skills, not slaves. That is why we should not use them at our
personal back and call. Instead, we should help them to
develop their skills, giving them a chance for overseas

Superiors should not see their subordinates as just

co-workers but as their partners. They should support
their subordinates in different aspects of their life such as
in moral understanding, relationship, philosophy and
spirituality.

March 20

The purpose of evaluation is o seek out problems, to

make improvements, to confirm the direction of
developments, to guarantee quality, to obtain recognition for a
system, to have introspection and review, to understand
demands, to be the base for changes, to be the motivation for
hard work, to be the base for reform, to set the standard for

Be afraid of flattering not criticism.

Be afraid of ignorance not failure.

rewards and penalties, to be the means to protect consumers,

and to assess the special quality of a subordinate.
Confucius once said, To know more about a person,
we need to listen to him and observe his behavior. There are
many ways today to evaluate someone. Superiors evaluate
their subordinates through their speech and actions. There
are also peer evaluations and public opinions. Getting n
independent party to evaluate is fairer because there are no
relationships among parties. However, no matter which
method we use for evaluation, the evaluation must be
objective.

ancient times to the present people such as those who are

chivalrous and righteous, chaste, women of integrity, royal
minister, and filial children are also able to withstand public
evaluation.
To put the result of an evaluation to use, one must
use it as a direction for future learning, thereby improving
and reviewing ones performance. The evaluation report
should also help one encourage one to strive for the
highest standards.

In addition, one benefits by being able to accept

others evaluation openly. If one can accept the public
evaluation, one is qualified to be a public figure. People who
can accept their evaluation know their strengths. From

Read, Reflect and Act:

March 21

manners, speech, behavior, thoughts, knowledge, and

interactions with other people.

Comprehending other people is the way to

show understanding.
Forgiving other people is the way to show
harmony.
Accepting other people is the way to show
solidarity.
Caring other people is the way to show friendliness.

There are some superiors in society who are good

and recognizing peoples strengths. They have the advantage
to put the right people to work at the right places. They can
tell if someone is good or bad, kind or vicious, capable or not,
or even has good character or not, simply by observing his

People who can accept their evaluation results will

learn their own strength.

There is a saying, To know someone is harder than

going to heaven. Those who are more understanding tend to
know people. That is why the leader of a country or the leader
of an organization who understands people well has great
achievements in history. Some people who were deceived by
their friends, betrayed by their colleagues, or fired by their
superiors have no one but themselves in such unpleasant
situations.
Being able to know people is actually acquiring
profound knowledge. It cannot be done through only wisdom
or knowledge; it is learned through experiences and through
understanding.

One has to make great effort when understanding with

others in order to learn how to know people well.

We learn to know people by reflecting on out own experience

and by being considerate of others.

Read, Reflect and Act:

March 22

nepotism, causing hardship for the people. This can

also be regarded as a crime committed by a staff
member.
Great people fulfill themselves by helping
others to accomplish.
Mean people fulfill themselves by holding
other back.

An excellent staff member has not only

extraordinary wisdom, abundant knowledge, and the
ability to see the big picture, but also good character,
good rapport with superiors and peers, and humility.
The influence of a staff member towards
superiors is often pivotal. Unfortunately, some
outstanding superiors are corrupted by the unethical
behavior of staff members and become opportunists.
On the other hand, some dishonor able superiors are
inspired by their righteous staff members and thus
commit fewer mistakes. These are productive and
unproductive contributions of staff members.
However, there are some close
relatives of government officials who have abused
their power and interfered with politics through

Some people like to stay on the stage and

be a leader. Some people do not like fame and
prefer to stay behind the scenes. They work
silently for the leader and are part of the think
tank. They are also considered as good staff
members. There are many courses offered in
colleges and universities on administrative
assistance which means there is a demand for
studying to be outstanding staff members. Thus it
is evident that an outstanding staff member has
become an indispensable part of an organization
in this era.

Read, Reflect and Act:

An excellent staff member has not only
extraordinary wisdom, abundant knowledge, and
the ability to see the picture, but also a good
character, good rapport with superiors and peers,
and humility.

March 23
People who do not practice self-reflection
will never their weaknesses.
People who do not strive forward will
will never spread their strengths.
Some people, who lost their characters and dignity for
money, power and fame, have become puppets only to be
spurned by others. Some people, who refused to change their
writing for ideology, have become the puppets of words.
Some people, who are attached to the traditional rules and
defend conventional approaches, have become the puppets
of the past. Some people, who are attached to the ancient
customs and refuse to make improvements and accept new
practices, have become puppets of traditional custom.
Puppets do not have spirit, motivation, thoughts and
independence. They are entirely controlled by people, and
follow orders blindly. A puppet can be made to move when the
string are pulled. It tumbles when a piece of cloth is turned.
The movements and actions of a puppet seen by the
audience are actually controlled by the person behind the
screen.
In order to express ones own individualism
and self-worth when living in this world, one would do well to

start by cultivating good character, social responsibility and

global view from a young age. By being able to lead
righteous, loving and meaningful life, one will not become the
puppet of others.
A subordinate who listens to the guidance and
follows the leadership of others shows loyalty. However, a
superior who not only lacks ideals, capability and
productivity, but also takes order from other people and
becomes faade for them. He is truly a puppet.

Read, Reflect and Act:

In order to express ones own individualism and
self-worth when living in this world, one would do well to
start by cultivating good characters, social responsibility
and a global view from a young age.

of the training given to them, not on any short-term working

relationship.
When a leader sees his subordinates indecisive and
not content, there is no need to feel bad because the
subordinates are dish pigeons. It is better to let them go as
soon as possible in order to avoid greater loss in the future. It
would be a pity if a subordinate is actually a match pigeon but
you are unaware of his quality and talent and treat him like a
dish pigeon.
March 24
Contentment is a recipe for liberation
from desires.
Gratitude is the gateway to obtaining
wealth.
There are two kinds of pigeons. Te first kind, ones
freed is unable to find its way home and eventually becomes
food for the hunter. It is called thedish pigeon. The other
kind knows the way home even though it was flown for miles.
This extraordinary species is called match pigeon.
Whether an army can fight in a battle depends on the training
that turned the army into either a dish pigeon or match
pigeon. In business, whether your employees are dish
pigeon or match pigeons also depends on the vigorousness

In an organization or a company, there is no need to feel

sad or sympathetic for the dish pigeon who are removed for
laid off. Instead, we should appreciate the leaders ability to
recognize talent. Having just a few people with the quality of
match pigeons a business will not be able to achieve much
success. Only with a team of match pigeons can a business
have a successful and brilliant future.

Read, Reflect and Act:

Whether an army can flight in a battle on the
training that turned the army into a dish pigeon or
amatch pigeon.

March 25

A determined person will always find a ways

and methods to success.
An escapist will see only difficulties
and obstacle.

Whether a person is capable or not depends on how

be answer questions. Is his response to the question positive
or negative? His capability can actually be tested at that
moment.

We always hear people say no way!, no way!The

phrase no way will definitely bring a life of no way to the
person who uttered it.
Way is actually a method by people for doing
something. Some people have encountered setbacks when
starting a business, have faced difficulties when handling
matters, were blamed by others when dealing with people,
have come to a bottleneck when thinking, and then in the end
they simply used no way as an excuse to give up. If a rigid
or traditional method does not work, perhaps you need to
change your thought, examine the question objectively, look
for cross references, or look at the question from a different
angle. You will find a way eventually. There is a saying, All
roads lead to Rome, even a crafty rabbit has three homes in
case of emergency, so there is no place for no way for
anything that happens in the.
We can change our mind-set and tell ourselves: I can
speak good words! There are ways! I can do good deeds!
There are ways! I can build good relationships with others!
There are ways! If here is a way for me to study for ten years
or even to become a Buddha, no way should not exist for
anything in the world.
March 26
Read, Reflect and Act:
There is always a solution for a problem. We can change
our thought, example the question objectively, look for
cross references, or look at the question from a different
angle.

Those who are able to accept admonition and

admit their faults courageously will advance
Those who think themselves to be reasonable
and never admit their faults will lag far behind.
According to Roots of Dharma, when scolding
people, you must think of their feelings. You will achieve your
goal only if you are teaching is accepted. When scolding,

one has to pay attention to the art of using language. Parents

give encouragement to their kids instead of scolding, teachers
inspire and motivate their students instead of scolding, a
couple makes compromises instead of scolding, superiors
work hard themselves to set good examples for their
subordinate instead of scolding them.
Scolding should be effective and purposeful. It will not
achieve its objective if the art form of scolding is kindness and
compassion, good intention, praise and sincerity.
One of the characteristic of Meditation teaching is not
to state clearly. There are many words that need to be stated
clearly; instead, let the listeners try to grasp the implicit
meaning of the words slowly. That is art of scolding.
Sometimes there is a need for indirect scolding, such
as using words with double meaning, indirect expression or
praise, instead of scolding. In order to achieve improvement
and its goal, scolding must originated from good intentions,
kindness and compassion, and sincerity, as well as praises.

Read, Reflect and Act:

When scolding, one must pay attention to the language used.
If a superior is willing to set a good example by working hard
himself instead of scolding his subordinates, then that is the
finest art of scolding.

March 27
Let us pick the difficult tasks for our selves
and leave pleasant things first to others.
Let us be accountable for wrongdoings
ourselves and be generous in praising others.

Benjamin Franklin once said, A good example is the

best sermon. Once Wang Yangming, a great Chinese thinker

of the Ming Dynasty, as leading his students on the street

when he heard two women quarrelling by the road side. One
scolded the other, You have no conscience! The latter said,
You dont reason! The first woman replied, You are the one
who doesnt reason.

Among all the teaching methods, the best is to set a good

example and be a good role model. If we cannot set a
good example, how can we demand others to do so?

Wang Yangming heard this, he told his students,

Young men, come and listen to the teaching. The student
asked, Teacher, they re quarrelling with each other, not
delivering teachings! Wang Yangmin said, They are talking
about reason and conscience, arent these teaching? Wang
Yangmin later explained, When we demand reason and
conscience from others, it is quarrelling. When we demand
reason and conscience from ourselves, it is teaching.
So, setting a good example is a way for educating;
demanding others to do something is not a way for educating.
The enlightened Buddha once set an example for
helping others by serving tea and medicine to his sick
disciples and threaded a needle for an aged disciple.
Even in his eighties, the Buddha still begged for food and
worked diligently. By setting a good example for his
disciples, the Buddha motivated them to cultivate
diligently.

It is said that subordinates emulate their

superiors actions. Only by setting a good example
oneself, can one become a good role model and a good
leader.

Read, Reflect and Act:

March 28
Dont be self-conceited when being praised.
Dont be resentful when being bullied.
Dont be discouraged when encountering failure.
Dont be arrogant when being successful.

People today do not want to have meritorious

achievements. Instead, they become opportunists and try to
rely on their good luck to achieve something without hard
work. In the past, people did not expect to be rewarded
without hard work. Nowadays, most people are very proud of
and eager to claim minor credit. Once they have made a
small contribution, they hope to be credited and rewarded.
Some people, who do not claim credit from their
families or workplace for accomplishment, tend to have a
good affinity with other people and are admired by them.
Some people who always claim credits and rewards are
despised by other people. Those who have made a
contribution do, of course, deserve to be admired, but if they
can stay humble; neither claiming credit nor being arrogant,
and they will be regarded with even higher admiration.
The accomplishment of the leader of a country relies
on the support of its citizens. The achievement of a company
does not rely solely on the diligent CEO, but also hardworking employees. The Diamond Sutra says The Buddha
liberates all the sentient beings in the world but actually is no
sentient beings to be liberated. This is the pure spirit of
bodhisattvas who do not seek credit. Likewise, we can see
many saint and sages also continuing in the same spirit.

Read, Reflect and Act:

It is even more valuable if one can remain humble when
one becomes accomplished.

March 29

True reputation is not about something

that is praised by contemporaries, but

about something to be followed by future

generations.
True possession is not about something
that is owned by one self, but something
that can be shared with others.
The concept of handling down is not commonly
practiced in our society. When the time comes to hand down
a job responsibility to the next person, the out-going senior is
already quite elderly while the successor is already middle
aged. It is a pity because the successor, since he was young,
has been as obedient and loyal as a slave, and as gentle as
lamb under the pressure of the leadership of the senior, and
the senior wants him to take over an important post in the
organization, he is already middle-aged. By then, how much
more contribution can be expected from him to the
organization?

and contributions bringing progress, peace and harmony to a

country.

Read, Reflect and Act:

Passing down power and transferring responsibilities in a
selfless way at an earlier stage will bring improvement and
prosperity to future generations.

In the world, we cannot complete everything entirely

by ourselves. Everything has to be done collectively given the
existence of causes and conditions. We cannot accomplish
everything in just one generation, so we need to pass it down
to the next generation. Only when a job responsibility can be
passed down will it last for a long time. There will be unlimited
hope if responsibilities can be passed down continuously.
Some Buddhist temples also practice passing down
the responsibility of the chief abbot to the next suitable
monastic. This is why Buddhist teaching can be spread
across the globe and talents encouraged and broadly
accepted. The society of today has to learn how to pass down
power and transfer responsibilities in a selfless way,
preferably at an earlier stage in order to bring improvement
and prosperity to future generations. This will ensure talents
are promoted and experiences are passed down. The
passing on of the baton will definitely create positive effects

March 30

Being a leader, one must listen to good advice

when making decisions and adhere to the right

path when implementing them.
Being a subordinate, one must be honest and
open when proposing plans and follow the
order of the leader when executing them.

To be a leader, one must have the qualities of a

leader, such a talent, knowledge, morality, sensibility,
tolerance fairness and selfness, etc. This is because a leader
is the shared master of many people and must fulfill the
needs of many people. Some people have the quality of
leaders but not of followers. It is because good causes and
conditions do not exist easily, and therefore a leader is hard
to come by.
Today, countries are always floundering because they
do not have good leaders. There are some talented people
who make neither good leaders nor good followers simply
because they overly manipulate their power in order to gain
leadership. They are so attached to the idea of being a leader
that is impossible for them to become good followers.
We practiced pigeons because they know their way
home; people love to keep a dog because of its loyalty; ants
and bees also obey their queens. Where there is a leader,
there will be people gathered around to form a united force.
Youngsters today lose their purpose in life and unable to lead
others or to be led by others. They are like wandering ghosts
who accomplish nothing in their lives. If we want to be
leaders, we must first be a good subordinate who is willing to
follow the orders of the leader. Being a good leader is great;
but it is also considered as achievement if one is appreciated
by a leader.

Read, Reflect and Act:

If we want to be a leader, we must first be a good subordinate
who is willing to follow the orders of the leader.

APRIL
Personality

April 1

As a person, one should know the four elements

Are essentially that emptiness
In dealing with matters, one should understand
The five aggregates are non-existent.
In cultivation, one should practice the Dharma
Door of non-duality
One's state of mind should be vast and carefree
Like the Pure Land of all Buddhas.

4. The gentle and compassionate should refrain from

being indecisive.
5. The secure and comfortable should refrain from being
complacent and missing good opportunities.
6. The careless should refrain from being forgetful and
negligent.
Read, Reflect and Act:

In life, one should focus in these three points; no

demand, no self-interest and no desire. When a person
attains the state of no demand, no self-interest and no desire
in his life, she will naturally be virtuous, upright and
accomplish great merits. Isn't the best way of living?

Forming good affinities and bringing joy to others in the way

to conduct oneself.

How should man behave as a human being? One

should be willing to compromise for the common good; one
should be modest and patient to acquire more knowledge;
one should not be jealous but rejoice with others over their
good deeds, one should form good affinities and bring joy to
others.
How does a good person behave? He should assess
his weaknesses; reinforce his strengths according to the six
precepts of Kuang Heng (a prime minister during the Han
Dynasty):
1. The intelligent and wise should refrain from being too
meticulous.
2. The one with limited knowledge should refrain from
being narrow minded and ignorant.
3. The brave and strong should refrain from being rude
and rash.

April 2

One with a measure of cultivation will

Have a measure of a refined disposition.
The more tolerance one has, the more
Affinity one will have with others.
These days, some elders often compliment teenagers
for being gifted and versatile, intelligent and smart. These
teenagers are multi-talented and very capable. Often they are
internet savvy and they can even dance and sing. However in
past times teenagers were complimented for being "welleducated and reasonable."
"Well-educated means one is educated and sensible;
"reasonable" means one is well-behaved. A well-behaved and
sensible person is certainly an outstanding talent. The three
virtues of the Confucian School: wisdom, benevolence and
courage, have been made the creed of the International Boy
Scouts. Indeed not only scouts but their youths and even
entrepreneurs should also have these virtues.

trade must be well-educated and reasonable. Young people

who are well-educated and reasonable must first learn to
respect others, abide by the rules; they are diligent,
committed, dedicated and cooperative. A lofty high tower
requires a solid foundation; a refined noble life requires the
completeness of virtues for one to conduct oneself properly.
Being a well-educated and reasonable young person is truly
the only gateway and prerequisite to success.

Read, Reflect and Act:

At lofty high tower requires a solid foundation; a refined noble
life requires the completeness of virtues for one to conduct
oneself properly.

The three virtues are wisdom, benevolence and

courage. One who has wisdom is not confused; one who is
benevolent; has nothing to worry about and one who has
nothing to worry about and one who is courage has no fear. If
one is not deluded and misled by false understanding, speech
and knowledge; not worried over gain and loss, success and
failure; not fearful of hardship in the society, nor natural or
human calamity; then this can be said to be perfect life.
Young people nowadays are too ambitious and they
wish to achieve success on the fast track. The saying goes,
"Every trade has its master." Nonetheless masters from every

April 3
Only by shouldering responsibility will

There be improvement
Only through willingness to contribute
Will there be achievements.
If one is given a task, one should undertake the
responsibility. A responsible person will only question whether
or not the task is appropriate and will not be concerned about
the success or failure, gain or loss. A responsible person will
not be particular about the ease or difficulty of the task, but
will try their best to accomplish the task entrusted.
Being responsible is the noblest sentiment in the
world. Those who act responsibly are capable of great
achievement, whereas those who are irresponsible are
ordinary and incompetent even if they have strong abilities.
We should be responsible for our choice of pursuit; as long as
we are willing to bear responsibility, there is nothing in this
world that cannot be resolved.

shoulder responsibility. How far a person succeeds in their

career is dependent on how much responsibility they can
shoulder. Those with a strong sense of responsibility are able
to overcome adversity, exploring and seeking good
opportunities for themselves; whereas those who fear
responsibilities will eventually face failure and accomplish
nothing.

Read, Reflect and Act:

Those who act responsibly are capable of great achievement,
whereas those who are irresponsible are ordinary and
incompetent even if they have strong abilities.

Shouldering responsibility gives people strength and

confidence. As long as one is willing to shoulder
responsibility, there will be achievement. We should have the
courage not only to take responsibilities but also be
responsible for our mistakes. We will progress if we take
responsibility and repent our mistakes. If we do not dare to
bear responsibility for our mistakes, but instead attach and lay
blame on others, or attempt to garner support to intercede on
one's own behalf, we will never succeed.
In the learning process, one should not worry about
being ignored or having no opportunity to bring into play one's
ability, but one should worry about not having the courage to

April 4

In the goal of cultivation, no mind is

The highest state;
In principles of handling affairs, being
Attentive is the foundation of success.
Principles are needed when we are dealing with
things; principles are even more needed to conduct ourselves
properly. Principles are the common laws about most things
and phenomena. They also conform to rules that are logical.
Principles prevent chaos, disorder and confusion. Some
people have the discretion to deliberate whether to accept or
reject the wealth in front of them because they have
principles. Some people have to consider whether or not to
undertake a position of fame and fortune as they too have
principles.

In trivial matters that do not cause harm to others, we

should just follow the circumstances and conditions present.
Nevertheless, following conditions do not mean we
completely relinquish our principles. Therefore it is wise to
follow conditions, provided the circumstances are suitable; it
is also wise to uphold the principles if the situation calls for
such decision.
The saying goes, "do unto others what you would like
others to do unto you." This is the fundamental principle to
show respect for others. Being regard to the public welfare as
a principle, morality and justice as principle, the benefit of the
majority as a principle, being reasonable as a principle, one is
able to adhere to the basic principles of human dignity.
Read, Reflect and Act:
In order to conduct ourselves properly and get things done
well, we should first set principles for ourselves.

To conduct oneself in this world, sometimes we have

to be slightly flexible while at other times we have to stick to
our principles. Too much flexibility will prevent us from
keeping with the trend; too much attachment with improper
principles will make us being unreasonable and stubborn. The
Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana (Mahayana
Sraddhospada Santra) teach us to "to be immutable in
essence yet follow the changing in conditions." However, if
we are too attached to the principles and disregard the
changing circumstances, we could made a laughing stock just
like the foolish kind-heartedness and benevolence shown by
Duke Xiang of Song state to his enemy (by waiting politely for
them to cross the river before attacking.)

April 5
There must be roots in our mind in order

To bring about fruition.

There must be vows in our mind in order
To succeed in a career.
There must be reason in our mind in
Order to travel around the world
There must be a master in our mind in
Order to live truthfully.

We need standpoints in life, what are yours?

We need standpoints in life; what are yours? We are

busy working outside every day and return home at night,
because home is our standpoint. We need to go outside to
work, because our working place is our standpoint.
We gain knowledge and friendship from others when
we make friends. We gain accomplishment and honor when
we are diligent at work. This is also our standpoint.
What constitutes the standpoints in the journey of our
life?
1. Showing filial piety to our parents.
2. Being diligent and responsible.
3. Cultivating moral character.
4. Enduring hardship
5. Sacrificing and to contributing.
6. Respecting and being tolerant.
7. Being compassionate.
8. Upholding right thoughts and right views.
9. Following rules and regulations
10. Abiding by the law.
Read, Reflect and Act:

April 6
Be an upright person who dares to speak
And act
Do not be a passive good person who is

Muddled and confused.

advice, readily helps and supports others; sensible

means setting discipline for oneself, and being
accommodative and tolerant. This is the key to
being a sensible person.

What are the qualities of a so-called good people? Let

us define these qualities:
1. Compassionate people are good people. One
should not be indiscriminately compassionate to
the point of even concealing and sheltering
criminals. On the contrary, this would be a cruel
act and an injustice to society. A compassionate
person should have compassion with wisdom and
courage.
2. Diligent people are good people. One should not
excessively indulge in enjoyment, often making
mischief and creating problems for others.
Diligence should be centered on right effort to
serve others, earnest practice, cultivation and the
readiness to take up cudgels for a just cause. This
is one of the criteria of a good person.
3. Courageous people are good people. One should
not be crude and crass, reckless and ruthless, or
flaunt ones superiority, or use violence to seek
enjoyment, or use brute strength to bully the weak.
All these are not qualities of good person.
Courageous people must have benevolence,
loyalty, and the ability to shoulder consequences.
They must be sincere and seek progress. These
are the characteristics of a good person.
4. Sensible people are good people. One should not
be argumentative, or an arm-chair critic who is
only good at putting forth arguments but has
accomplished nothing. How can such a person be
considered good? A sensible person accepts good

Read, Reflect and Act:

A compassionate person should have compassion with
wisdom and courage.

April 7
In our association with others, we must
show affection and righteousness.
When we are doing things for others,
We must be loyal and trustworthy.

Trustworthiness is the moral fiber connecting all

worldly ethics. A trustworthy person is also a righteous
person. Trustworthiness and righteousness are the
foundations of all undertakings; these are also the traditional
Chinese virtues. A breach of trust and credibility is viewed as
a major character flaw.

Read, Reflect and Act:

Trustworthiness and righteousness are the foundations of all
undertakings; these are also the traditional Chinese virtues. A
breach of trust and credibility is viewed as a major character
flaw.

Trustworthiness is a promise to which one is

committed, and it will continue to be fulfilled for ones entire
life. Buddhism teaches no false speech, which means one
should be trustworthy. Those who are trustworthy will never
speak empty, meaningless and non-sensible words; instead
they keep to their promises, just as the saying goes, A noble
persons spoken words cannot be retrieved even by the
fastest horse.
Trustworthiness is the milestone of a successful
person. In business, a good reputation is an intangible capital.
Treasuring our trustworthiness not only adds to our worth, it
can also help others. Trust smooths out difficulties in business
and family matters; be it between spouses, parents and
children, or even between lovers, friends, colleagues or
countries. We should never breach the trust for personal gain.
Between trustworthiness and wealth, there is a saying:
A promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold. We can
always regain money that we have lost, but we can never
patch up bad reputation. Therefore, from the small personal
dealings with others to the colossal global peace, trust should
never be compromised. Without trust how can we established
ourselves in the world? How can this be underestimated?

April 8
We must constantly seek ways to create
Cause and conditions for others, but
Never to think how many benefits others
Had given us.

Humility is the ensuing remorse feel for the

transgressions we commit against others through our
unwholesome behavior and thoughts, and how we repent and
correct them. With humility and remorse in our mind, we can
be motivated to improve and make progree.

Thoughts of remorse and self-reflection will lead to the

sublimation of our qualities and natural self.

Thoughts of remorse and self-reflection will lead to the

sublimation of our qualities and natural self. If a persons
conscience is always clear and behavior does not transgress
upon others, then the person is close to perfection in moral
virtues and cultivation. On the other hand, those who are
without remorse or humility, their conscience having been
deluded by greed, anger and jealousy; those people will
commit all forms of bad deeds and lose their human dignity. A
person without human dignity is like a tree without barks how
can such a tree bear flowers and fruits?
People with humility and remorseful mind are able to
correct their mistakes and make progress, they are able to
develop their qualities and manage their actions. If from a
young age everyone could cultivate humility and a remorseful
mind, always feeling remorse for our ignorance, lack of moral
virtues, inability and a sense of inadequacy; if we could also
incorporate humility and remorse in our behavior and
thoughts and apply it to our daily life, whether in our speech
or in silence, in action or rest, then we will be able to enhance
our moral virtues and go everywhere without hindrance.
April 9
Read, Reflect and Act:

Patience is an art;
persistence is a form of hope.
Patience and persistence lead to success in handling
affairs;

Patience and persistence help one to be proficient in

conducting oneself.
Patience is an art in the form of hope. Patience and
persistence can help us to be proficient in our studies; to be
accomplished and in cultivating ourselves and to be a
sensible and understanding one person.
Patience and persistence are very important to our
success and accomplishments in a career. However,
impatience seems to be a common ill amongst todays young
people. Their lack of persistence also reveals their
superficiality. They do not have the patience and
concentration, their bodies and minds are rather unsteady
and they change their jobs frequently. Without perseverance,
they cannot settle down in their vacations. How can their
superiors entrust them with responsibilities? Without their
superiors high regard and trust, how can they succeed in their
careers?
Hence, we should constantly ask ourselves, Do I
study patiently? Do I work patiently? Do I deal with others
patiently? if we lack patience and persistence, our efforts will
always fall short of success for luck of the last spurt. Thus,
the secret to success is simply patience and persistence.
April 10
Read, Reflect and Act:
Patience and persistence help to mold one into a sensible
and proficient person.

One who knows to retrospect is always grateful.

One who is grateful always treasures happiness and
cherishes affinity.

There is a Chinese saying, Dismantle the bridge after

crossing the river. It means upon completion of a task with
others assistance, we are devoid of all the gratitude. This
shows that one does not know to be grateful and to repay the
help. If we are able to prostate to the bridge after crossing the
river, this shows ones gratitude and it is a repayment to
people who have helped us.
Why do we promote filial piety? This is our gratitude to
our parents for all their sacrifices. Why do we donate to
charity? It is because we are thankful to hospitals for saving
lives and schools for providing education. Touched by the
efforts of fire fighters in putting out fires, many generously
donate fire-fighting equipment; for they realize that without the
fire-fighters, how could we enjoy our material comfort? All
these actions are in accordance with the maxim prostrating
to the bridge after crossing it.
A person is not grateful is one who is poor at heart. A
grateful and contented person finds wealth all around him.

One who is grateful and cherishes blessings leads a rich life.

If we are always grateful at heart in dealing with life, we will
be able to transform even the unpleasant encounters into
conditions overriding adversity.
Hence in life, if we could always harbor the sentiment
of gratefulness, there will be no enmity, jealousy, discords,
and afflictions. Having gratitude in the heart will develop our
moral character and improve our disposition. Our life will be in
perfect harmony.

Read, Reflect and Act:

Grateful and contented people find wealth all around them
and their life is in perfect harmony.