learning about excellence

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Learning About Excellence

P R E - P U B L I C A T I O N E D I T I O N

M A T E R I A L I N D E V E L O P M E N T

V E R S I O N 1 . 2 . 1 . P P

7 March 2009



Copyright © 2005 by DL Publicaciones

All rights reserved. Version 1.2.1.PP March 2009

DL Publicaciones

Cra. 101 #11B-20

Cali, Colombia

Email: [email protected]

Web site: www.devlp.com



DL Publicaciones (DLP) is pleased to make available to selected educational establishments

and nongovernmental organizations this pre-publication edition of Learning About

Excellence. DLP was created with the aim of disseminating on a wide scale educational

materials that enhance the spiritual and scientific capabilities of individuals, communities andtheir social institutions. Most of the materials published by DLP are developed by agenciesoperating in different continents around the globe, each engaged in educational programs toreach diverse segments of the population. Their materials represent the experience gained bythese organizations in raising up individuals capable of working for the benefit of theirfamilies and society.

The present volume is part of series dedicated to the moral and spiritual empowerment of junior youth. The series, still in the early stages of preparation, will consist of textbooks atthree levels of study for the following age groups: 11–12 year olds, 12–13 year olds, and 13– 14 year olds. Each level will have texts in the areas of language, mathematics and science, aswell as those focused on the challenges of living in present-day society. It is hoped that, in its

entirety, the series will provide young people with the elements of a conceptual frameworkthat will guide their choices and actions as they mature into adults.

Learning About Excellence is one of the texts in the series designed for 12–13 year olds. Itemerged out the experience of a group working with young people in China, where rapidsocial change has resulted in many new and challenging situations. It tells the story of LingLi, who goes to visit her grandparents in their village for the spring holidays. Each lessonincludes a set of questions and activities, and we are eager to receive feedback from thosewho use this pre-publication edition in their educational programs—feedback which willform part of the process of action, reflection and consultation that characterizes the

development of all the materials published by DLP.

DL Publicaciones



Learning About Excellence



1

PART I

There are times in the life of a young person that the happenings of a few

weeks or even a few days can be the cause of profound change.

Ling Li tries to count the trees as they quickly pass by. The train will soon

reach Yuan Fen, the village where her grandparents live. She has not seen them

for a year, since she and her parents moved to the town of Dong Shan. There,she has finished primary school and is now in the first year of the secondary.

Her mother is taking her to Yuan Fen where she will spend the spring holidays.

Ling Li’s mind turns to the life in the village. She pictures herself running

through the open fields and cycling on the long road by the river. She

remembers playing with her cousins Yan Tao and Lu Ming, and then imaginesthe three of them sitting at their grandmother’s table. She can almost taste the

delicious food.

At the station, Ling Li and her mother work their way through the crowd and

catch a bus. The bus stops near her grandparents’ home. How soothing it is to be

held tightly in the arms of her grandparents once again.



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1

The next day Ling Li’s mother takes the early morning train to Dong Shan. She and her

husband will come back in three weeks to spend a few days of vacation in the village. Ling Li

meets Yan Tao and Lu Ming and they spend a whole day visiting their friends.

In the evening, the three cousins have dinner with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Chen.

“Ling Li, tell us about your life in Dong Shan,” asks the grandmother as she puts a dumpling

on her plate. “Do you like your school? Have you made many friends?”

“School is fine, now. It took some time to get used to the change. It is a little lonely, though.

When I go home after school, there is no one to talk to. I warm up the food mother has prepared

the night before and eat it by myself. Then, I study and go to bed. Father and Mother work veryhard. They come home late. I hardly get to see them. Sometimes, they seem to forget about me. I

wonder if they love me like before.” Tears begin to swell in Ling Li’s eyes.

“My dear treasure, I am sure that your parents love you,” says Mrs. Chen. “They have never

stopped loving you. But starting a life in the city can be difficult.”

“Sometimes people do stop loving each other,” says Yan Tao.

“Well, love is not something that you have today and lose tomorrow,” says Mr. Chen.

“I had a really close friend, and one day she decided not to be friends with me any more,”

says Yan Tao.

“Did you have a fight?” asks Lu Ming.

“No. A new girl came to school and they became friends. Soon you could not separate them,”

replies Yan Tao.

“A young tree moves with the wind. If the wind blows to the east, the tree moves towards the

east. If the wind blows to the west, the tree bends towards the west. But that is not what yourgrandfather and I call love,” says Mrs. Chen.

“Then, what is love?” asks Ling Li.

“That is a good question. From the time we were small, we were told that love meant caring

for others, being kind to them and respecting them. But over the years things have changed.There is a lot of talk about love. Everyone wants it, but very few people are willing to give it,”

says Mrs. Chen.

“It seems people are more selfish now,” says Mr. Chen.



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“Can’t they change?” asks Lu Ming.

“Yes they can,” says Mrs. Chen. “To tell you the truth, we were beginning to wonder

ourselves if things could ever become the way we dreamed about in our youth. But recently, a

friend introduced us to the teachings of a great Educator, who lived more than a hundred yearsago. We have been studying His words and thoughts and they have given us new hope. Once

again we feel like we are living in the springtime when the seeds have been sown and you arelooking forward to a plentiful harvest in the autumn.”

“What does this Teacher say about love?” asks Ling Li.

“Love is the cause of life. It is the force that holds everything in the universe together,” saysMrs. Chen with excitement. “Everything you see around you exists because there is a force of

attraction between its atoms and molecules. Among human beings this force of love is most

powerful. It is not a temporary attraction between people. It brings about growth and creates joy.”

“Think of yourselves. How did you grow from the time you were a tiny baby?” Mr. Chenasks.

“Well, when I was a baby, I was not able to walk or talk. Then I grew up to be a child and I

played all the time. Now I am not a child, anymore,” answers Lu Ming.

“And who taught you to talk? Who helped you to walk? Who watched over you every

moment of your life?”

“My parents, of course.”

“Why did they do so?”

“Because they love me.”

“You see! The force of love gives us life and helps us grow,” says Mrs. Chen as she gets up

and hugs her three grandchildren.

That evening, Ling Li goes to bed thinking about her parents. Her last thoughts as she falls

asleep are about her parents and how much she loves them.

Read and think about the following two quotations.

Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with

the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.

Now is the time to cheer and refresh the downcast through the invigorating breeze of love

and fellowship, and the living waters of friendliness and charity.



5

Read the statements below and do the corresponding exercises.

1. When we love others, our desire is to bring joy to their hearts. Which of the following will

bring joy to a heart?

Helping a friend solve a difficult problem

Visiting a sick neighbor

Laughing at a friend who is in trouble

Giving a gift to a friend

Sharing what we learn with someone else

Listening patiently in order to understand someone’s feelings

2.

Love and friendship will cheer the hearts. Decide whether the following statements are trueor false:

True False

We will forget our own sadness when we try to bring joy

to someone else’s heart.

It is better to leave those who are sad to themselvesand not try to cheer them up.

Our love and friendship will cheer a sad friend,

even when we can’t figure out the best way to help.

3. Love is shown in our thoughts, words and deeds. Which of the following are signs of love?

Forgiving others when they say something that hurts us

Speaking with kindness

Assisting a friend in need

Treating with kindness whomever we meet

Ending a friendship because of an argument

Overlooking the faults of others

4. Parents love their children. Therefore, they teach and educate them. To do so they praise thechild’s good behavior and disapprove misconduct. Which of the following ways of behavior

deserve praise and which deserve disapproval? Mark them accordingly:



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Praise Disapprove

We will forget our own sadness when we try to bring joy

to someone else’s heart.

Showing discourtesy

Being truthful

Being lazy

Telling a lie

Studying diligently

Thinking only of oneself

Caring for others

5. We should have abundant love for our parents because they have given us the gift of life andwe should be eternally grateful to them for all they have done to raise us from infancy. When

we love our parents, which of the following will we do?

___ We obey and respect them.

___ We tell them about our difficulties.

___ We comfort them in difficulty.___ We listen to their advice.

___ We take care of them when they are sick.

___ We pray for their health and happiness.

Now memorize the two quotations above.

Love thats not temporal.

How is love shown?

- activity

How will we show love to one another in our group, over this

week.

NEED COMPLIMENTARY ACTIVITY ON LOVE.

Blair C. + Rachel C., Kim M., Mike D. + Heather P., Emma S. + Ben

F.

Learning About Excellence CD



7

2

The next morning, Ling Li, Yan Tao and Lu Ming go for a walk along the main path in the

village. Every now and then, they stop to greet one of Ling Li’s old friends.

“Here, we all grew up together and were friends for as long as I remember. It was so hard for

me to make friends in Dong Shan,” says Ling Li with sadness in her voice.

“Why?” asks Lu Ming.

“I am not sure. But everyone seems to be in a race to get ahead of others, to get the highestgrade, to buy the fanciest things. With so much jealousy, how can one find a good friend?”

“Is everyone like that?” asks Lu Ming.

“No, not everyone. I finally found a couple of real good friends. But it took time.”

At noon, when they go back to their grandparents’ home for lunch, Yan Tao asks her

grandmother, “What is it that makes people feel jealous?”

“The human heart has been created to love,” says Mrs. Chen. “Therefore, it has to beattracted to something. It has two choices. It can either be attracted to higher things or be given

to lower desires. When our hearts are given to lower desires, we only think of ourselves, want

everything for ourselves, and feel jealous of the success and happiness of others.”

“When I see a student is very smart, I wish I could be that smart,” says Ling Li.

“There is nothing wrong with wanting to do better, but not because you feel jealous of

someone,” says Mrs. Chen. “You should feel happy for your friend and also do your best to

improve yourself.”

“I feel bad sometimes because I don’t have as much money to spend as my friends in Dong

Shan,” Ling Li continues her line of thought.

“Why should you?” asks Lu Ming. “We are not rich, but we are not poor, either.”

“Well, in Dong Shan, there is so much talk of buying things,” answers Ling Li.

“I know what you mean. The other day I saw our neighbor’s son riding a new fancy bicycle,

and I wished my dad could buy me a bicycle like that,” says Lu Ming.

Mrs. Chen listens attentively to her grandchildren and then speaks in a loving tone: “I would

like to tell you something and I ask you to think about it carefully. There is, of course, nothing

wrong with wanting to have nice things. There is nothing wrong with Lu Ming wanting to have abeautiful bicycle. But if we have no higher ideals, if our only aim is to have worldly things, we

will grow selfish and greedy day by day. We will never be happy because we will always see



8

others who are more successful or wealthier than we are. In the end we will be sad and

dissatisfied with our lives.

“This reminds me of the image of the ‘eye’ and ‘eyelid’ which we have found in the

Teachings we have been studying lately,” says Mr. Chen who has been silent through most of theconversation.

“Oh Yes,” says Mrs. Chen. “I liked it so much that I memorized the passage. Let me see if I

remember it: ‘The thin eyelid prevents the eye from seeing the world and what is contained

therein. Then think of the result when the curtain of greed covers the sight of the heart. Say, O

people, the darkness of greed and envy obscures the light of the soul, as the cloud prevents the

penetration of the sun's rays.’”


Commit not that which defileth the limpid stream of love or destroyeth the sweet

fragrance of friendship.

Free thyself from the fetters of this world, and loose thy soul from the prison of self.


1. Jealousy and envy will destroy love and friendship. Which of the following can overcome

jealousy and envy?

Wishing success for others

Being happy for those who succeed

Competing with others Appreciating the good things in our lives

Comparing ourselves with others

Never being satisfied with what we have

2. Rather than envying others, we should learn to appreciate the bounties that we have received

in our own lives. Which of the following are the bounties of life?

Loving parents

Good health

Talents Understanding heart

Ability to serve others

Trusting friends



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3. If we only desire the things of this world, we will become selfish, greedy and sad. Decide if

the following statements are true or false:True False

We will be happy if we think only of our own comfort and pleasure.

To give and to be generous will make us happy.

We will be happier when we stop being in competition with others. It is sometimes necessary to undergo discomfort and hardship when

we strive to achieve higher goals.

4. If our attraction to higher goals is greater than our desire for the things of this world, we will

be able to grow and develop. Which choice in each of the following pair will help us

develop?

___ Studying science in order to improve the lives of the people around you

___ Studying science in order to become a famous scientist

___ Striving to be honest in deeds and words, even if it results in hardship___ Doing whatever it takes to become rich

___ Thinking only of making a fortune and caring little or nothing for the welfare of others

___ Using your knowledge and wealth so that they can benefit those who are less privileged

___ Striving to get rid of ignorance and prejudice

___ Blindly accepting common beliefs and traditions

___ Seeking excitement and joy only through trivial games and pleasures

___ Seeking lasting joy through learning and serving others

Discuss with your friends some of your higher goals in life.

Now memorize the two quotations above.Setting higher goals.



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3

In the afternoon, Ling Li and Yan Tao accompany their grandfather and take a boat to a

nearby town. For a while, they stand on the deck watching the scenery. They then go inside

where it is quiet in order to talk. “I think I would like to be a doctor and help people. Is this whatgrandmother meant when she said our hearts should be attracted to higher things?” Yan Tao

begins the conversation.

“Perhaps,” says Mr. Chen. “How do you see yourself as a doctor?”

“I would know a lot about the human body and about all sorts of illnesses and how to treatthem.”

“Yes, you would certainly need to know these things. But there is more to being a gooddoctor. A good doctor has a strong desire to help the sick and bring relief to those in pain. You

would be sympathetic, loving, and selfless. You would strive daily to gain new knowledge and

improve your skills and abilities. If this is what you want from being a doctor, then your heart isattracted to higher things.”

“In Dong Shan, some doctors make a lot of money,” says Ling Li.

“There is nothing wrong with making money. But that should not be the reason for deciding

to be a doctor,” says Mr. Chen.

“How about you, Ling Li? Will you stay in Dong Shan or will you come back here after you

finish your studies?” asks Yan Tao.

“My heart is divided. I would like to come back and help grandfather with the farm, but there

are other things I want to learn and do,” says Ling Li.

“I know what you mean,” says Mr. Chen. “When I was young I loved to work with clay. Igot myself some tools and learned pottery from an excellent craftsman who used to live here. He

liked some of the pieces I made and told me I had talent. My heart was attracted to both pottery

and farming.”

“How did you make up your mind grandfather?” asks Ling Li.

“My father was getting old and I felt I had the duty to take care of our family farm,” answers

Mr. Chen. “I also knew that a farmer’s work is important because he produces food for the

people. So I decided to become a farmer. And if you decide the same, I can teach you thewisdom passed down to me by my parents and grandparents. But you will also need to study the

modern science of agriculture. Above all, you need to love the land, care for the people and be

hardworking.”

“I also like to teach,” says Ling Li.



12

“Well, you could come back here as a farmer or as a teacher,” says Yan Tao.

“Wanting to be a teacher is a praiseworthy goal,” says Mr. Chen. “Your grandmother often

says that the work of a teacher resembles that of a farmer. Teachers nurture the seeds of

knowledge and good character in the minds and hearts of their students.”

“My primary schoolteacher, Mrs. Wong did that. She was kind and intelligent. Wasn’t sheone of Grandmother’s students?” asks Ling Li.

“Yes she was. Your grandmother was an excellent teacher and all her former students in the

village love and respect her. After our parents, teachers have the greatest influence on our lives.”

“But Grandfather, how will I know what is the right thing for me to do? ” asks Ling Li.

“You will come to know in time. For now try to excel in whatever you do. Develop qualitieslike honesty, constancy and humility. These you will need no matter what your future work may

be.”

That evening Mr. Chen tells his wife about the conversation he has had with Ling Li and YanTao. They are both moved by the children’s purity of heart and they talk about their duty to

impart high ideals to their grandchildren. Mrs. Chen remembers a quotation they have read

before and finds it in one of the books they are studying:

Take the utmost care to give them high ideals and goals, so that once they come of age,

they will cast their beams like brilliant candles on the world, and will not be defiled by

lusts and passions in the way of animals, heedless and unaware, but instead will set their

hearts on achieving everlasting honour and acquiring all the excellences of humankind.


Let each morn be better than its eve and each morrow richer than its yesterday.

Do not busy yourselves in your own concerns; let your thoughts be fixed upon that which

will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the hearts and souls of men.


1. In order to become better day by day, we need to reflect on our behavior. Decide which ofthe following thoughts would help us in our attempts to improve ourselves:

I was impolite to my friend this morning. In future, I should not belittle him.

It is good that I told my friend exactly what I thought of him.



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I watched too much TV last night. Instead I should have helped my younger cousin with his

homework when he asked.I don’t like to be disturbed when I am watching TV.

I should quit teaching children. It is so difficult.I must make an effort and persevere; otherwise I will never accomplish anything.

It is important to recognize my mistakes and try my best not to repeat them.

So what if I make mistakes! Everyone makes mistakes.

I am sure my writing will improve as I practice more. I can already see some improvement.

I am terrible at writing. I will never write a good essay.

I feel so awful about what I did. I am no good.

I did the wrong thing. I will try not to do it again.

She is much more intelligent than I am. I can never be like that.

I can learn from her. She is very intelligent.

Mathematics is impossible. My mind goes blank as soon as I see a formula.

I need to be patient with myself. Learning takes time and is achieved step by step.

I should be sincere and truthful in everything I say and do.

It is enough to pretend to do good things so that others think highly of me.

I gave a wonderful speech. I feel so good. I am so smart.

I am glad I worked hard and prepared a good speech.

2. We should have high aims and dedicate our lives to the betterment of the world. Number the

following aims from 1 to 5, 1 corresponding to the lowest aim and 5 corresponding to the

highest.

a. I will study because:

___ I like to make a lot of money and be comfortable

___ I need to make a living for myself and my family

___ I like to get a degree so that others will look up to me

___ I like to learn

___ I like to learn and apply my knowledge to help others



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b. I teach children because:

___ I like children

___ I need to have a profession

___ There is nothing else I can do

___ If children are properly educated they can make the world a better place

___ I was asked to do it

c. I join the youth club because:

___ I like to hang out with people my age

___ There is no entertainment in our town and I am bored

___ I like to talk and listen to others

___ I believe that young people have a great deal of potential. I think we need to come

together and learn how to serve our communities.

___ It is fun.

3. We cannot busy ourselves doing things only for ourselves. Our thoughts and actions should

become increasingly focused on that which will benefit humankind. Which actions will help

us accomplish the following four goals?

a. To defend the rights of others

___ Teaching children to read and write

___ Educating families about basic healthcare

___ Arguing and protesting___ Teaching boys about the equality of men and women

___ Reminding the rich of the condition of the poor

b. To improve the quality of our physical environment

___ Planting trees

___ Keeping our school clean___ Volunteering to beautify a public garden

___ Throwing rubbish in the river

___ Spitting



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c. To improve the quality of our moral environment

___ Saying good things and doing the opposite

___ Being an example in words and action

___ Doing whatever we like___ Building friendships

___ Caring only about our own happiness

4. Our individual behavior influences the environment around us. Decide which would be theeffects of the following when observed by a growing number of individuals in a community:

Keeping promises

___ People will trust each other more.

___ There will be stronger friendships.___ Things will not get done.

___ There will be less conflict in the community.

___ People will feel more secure.

Being humble

___ People will not learn from each other, because no one thinks they know more than theothers.

___ People will learn from each other, because they won’t think they know everything.

___ People will suffer less from arrogance and pride.___ Empty words will be less spoken.

___ People will serve each other more.

Being fair in judgment

___ People will not be treated unjustly because of quick judgments.

___ Judgments will be made after a thorough investigation of truth.___ People will be judged according to the likes and dislikes of others.

___ People’s merits will not be ignored because of their mistakes.

___ Prejudice will diminish.

Now memorize the two quotations above.twofold moral purpose



17

PART II

The next morning Ling Li and Yan Tao tell Lu Ming about the conversation

they had with Mr. Chen on the boat. When Lu Ming hears that in his youth their

grandfather liked working with clay, he decides to tell his cousins that he hasrecently started to paint. He explains that he likes to capture the beauty of nature

in his paintings and according to his art teacher he has a good sense of color and

light. Ling Li and Yan Tao are excited to hear this news and want to see LuMing’s work as soon as possible. As they talk about their dreams for the future,

they discover that they all have it in their hearts to spend time in the village

when they grow up and help their grandparents with the farm. They make a pactto help each other fulfill this obligation.

Paint nature



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4

The following afternoon, Ling Li and Yan Tao go to Lu Ming’s home to look at his

paintings. They are amazed to see how beautifully their cousin paints. Later that evening the rest

of the family joins them for dinner.

“Grandfather, you told us yesterday that you used to work with clay. I would love to learn to

make things with my hands,” says Ling Li at the dinner table.

“So would I,” says Yan Tao.

“Maybe I can help you. What kinds of materials do you like to work with?” asks Mr. Chen.

“I like to work with bamboo,” says Yan Tao enthusiastically.

“I like the touch of clay. I have seen people working with it. It is fascinating,” says Ling Li.

“Well, I have a friend, Mr. Li, who works with bamboo,” Mr. Chen says to Yan Tao. “He

makes furniture as well as small decorative pieces. I will ask him to invite you to his workshop.

You can watch him first and learn a few techniques. If you show interest, he may accept to

become your teacher. As for you, Ling Li, I have a few instruments and will teach you the basicsmyself. You should be able to make a few simple things before you leave.”

“I want to continue painting. I am also learning calligraphy at school. I would love to learnhow to make scrolls with my calligraphy,” says Lu Ming.

“Mr. Li can probably help you as well,” adds Mrs. Chen who is heartened by the interest hergrandchildren are showing in arts and crafts. “Enthusiasm is the first ingredient of success. Once

you begin, you will need other things like patience, perseverance, and a desire to excel. It is also

vital to learn the necessary skills and use your imagination.”

After dinner, as everyone is sitting in the backyard eating fruits, Ling Li who cannot contain

her excitement asks: “Grandfather I have seen potters working with something that spins. Can

you tell us a little bit about pottery?”

“What you have seen is a potter’s wheel,” explains Mr. Chen. “It helps you shape the clay the

way you want it. The very first thing you need to learn in pottery is to prepare the clay bykneading it, the same way you knead dough to make bread. You then center the clay on the

wheel and as it spins you shape it with your hands. Once you are satisfied with its form, you take

the piece off the wheel and let it dry a little. Then you smooth the surface, trim the bottom and letit dry completely, so when you fire it, it will not crack. Firing hardens the clay. The final step is

called glazing, which is basically painting the surface and putting it in a special oven to give it a

nice finish. I think, to start with, I will teach you to make a simple bowl.”

Rob paint

Calligraphy



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“I never knew there was so much to pottery. Ling Li will not become a great potter in a few

days,” says Yan Tao.

“There is a lot to any craft,” says Mr. Chen. “One thing is to describe the steps; another is to

go through them. As you learn and master a craft, a special relationship develops between yourhands, your mind and your heart. Ideas come to your mind in moments of reflection and are

communicated to your hands. You begin to see with the eyes of your imagination the shape ofthe things you can create. The more skillful your hands are, the freer your mind is to imagine.

Your mind and your hands follow the yearning of your heart for beauty and perfection.”


According to explicit Holy Texts, every child must be taught crafts and arts, to the degree

that is needful.

Exert your utmost endeavour that ye may develop such crafts and undertakings that

everyone, whether young or old, may benefit therefrom.


1. Craftsmen and artists work with different materials, and what their hands produce benefits

the people. Make a list of some of the objects that can be made with the following materials:

Wood

Clay

Bamboo

Wool

Cotton

Straw

Iron



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5

During the week-end, Ling Li visits Mrs. Wong, who was her favorite teacher when she went

to school in the village.

“I was looking forward to seeing you,” Mrs. Wong welcomes her. “Are you enjoying your

time with your cousins?”

“Yan Tao, Lu Ming and I are having a lot of fun. A couple of days ago, we decided to each

learn a craft. Grandfather is teaching me pottery,” explains Ling Li. “He wants me to create

beauty.”

“Your grandfather is wise,” Mrs. Wong responds. “There is a longing in our hearts for beauty

and perfection, which makes us strive to become better and better every day. This is true forwhatever we do with our hands and with our minds. It is also true of what we feel in our hearts.

Striving for beauty and perfection comes from inside. It is the engine that drives us. I still

remember how much effort you used to put into learning science. You were always eager tolearn, always eager to understand. That is what I call striving for excellence.”

“I still love science at school and I would love to be able to teach it one day,” says Ling Li.

“I assume you are doing well in your science class,” says Mrs. Wong.

“At the end of the first term I got the highest score in the exam. So, this bright student, FeiHong felt jealous and started being mean to me. This had never happened to me before. You had

always told us to help others so that everyone could do well. For a while, I was angry with Fei

Hong. Then, I decided to be friends with her. She was surprised and could not understand why.But eventually she realized that I was sincere. Now we enjoy studying together. Neither of us

cares who scores higher in the exams.”

“What you did, Ling Li,” says Mrs Wong: “was to choose cooperation over competition.Many people think we develop excellence by competing with others, when, in fact, we achieve

much more through cooperation. When we compete, someone is bound to lose; when we

cooperate, everyone wins. In competition, some people end up being discouraged; incooperation, everyone is encouraged by achieving a common goal.”

“What does ‘common goal’ mean?” asks Ling Li.

“Take a family for example,” says Mrs. Wong. “The common goal is for every member to

grow and succeed. Can you imagine a family in which, say, the father eats all the food and everyone else is malnourished, or a family in which the son goes to school and the daughter receives

no education? You and your classmates are also like a family and your common goal is for

everyone to develop.”



24

“This gives me an idea. Maybe Fei Hong and I can volunteer after school to teach those

students who have trouble with their studies,” says Ling Li.

“That is a brilliant idea.” Mrs. Wong is happy to see that Ling Li has not lost the purity of

heart that had always been one of her distinguishing qualities.


O SON OF DUST!

Verily I say unto thee: Of all men the most negligent is he that disputeth idly and seeketh

to advance himself over his brother. Say, O brethren! Let deeds, not words, be your

adorning.

Let us cooperate in love and through spiritual reciprocity enjoy eternal happiness and

peace.


1. Many activities can be done either alone or together with others, but for some cooperation is

absolutely necessary. Decide which of the following cannot be done without cooperation.Explain why.

___ Understanding a difficult subject___ Walking to school

___ Playing football

___ Swimming___ Learning a craft

___ Consulting about a service project

___ Carrying out a service project as a group

___ Working in a store that has many employees___ Playing in a musical band

___ Reading

2. In order to cooperate, we must each play our part fully and avoid that which destroys unity.

Decide for which of the following we should strive and which we should avoid . Mark themaccordingly.

Strive Avoid

Doing our best

Blaming others

Being diligent

Understanding others

Listening to others

Criticizing others



25

Being sensitive to the needs of others

Imposing our ideas on others

Looking at the good in others

Encouraging others

Doing the least amount of work possible

Doing everything ourselves

Being concerned only with our own success

Wishing the success of everyone

3. When we compete we try to advance ourselves over another. When we cooperate we helpeach other to achieve a common goal. Decide if the following statements are true or false:

True False

In cooperation no one loses, everyone wins.

In competition, there are always losers.

Without competition people become lazy.

Excellence is achieved through cooperation.

Excellence is achieved through competition.

Teamwork requires cooperation.

Part of doing one’s best is to help others.

The desire to excel comes from within.

The urge to compete is what makes us excel.

The desire to excel leads to competition.

We should cooperate with others only if we can gain something from it.

4. One of the fruits of cooperation is the development of excellent qualities. Imagine a project

in which you wholeheartedly cooperate with a few friends. Decide which of the following

may be the fruits of cooperation with your friends:

___ You become more generous.

___ You become more humble.___ You start feeling superior to others.

___ You learn to work with different kinds of people.___ You learn to respect the views of others.

___ You become lazy.___ You become self-centered.

___ You strengthen bonds of friendship.



26

5. In consultation with your friends list some possible service projects. Choose one of them and

with the help of the animator of your group draw up a plan to carry it out.

Now memorize the two quotations above.



27

6

After tea and a delicious red bean desert, Mrs. Wong takes Ling Li to a plot of land behind

the house where she is experimenting with various crops.

“I bring my students to this plot”, explains Mrs. Wong “to teach them about plants and the

way they grow. But I brought you here so we can discuss some of the principles of teaching. You

want to help your friends with their studies. You should remember that you must nurture theirunderstanding. You can’t just throw facts at them to memorize. You will have to help each of

them to think clearly and reflect on what they observe. Look at this plot of land. I did not just

throw around the seeds one day and then wait for the plants to grow. What you see is the resultof much thought and care. Every year, I have to prepare the soil and choose the seeds. I have to

wait for the right season to plant them. I have to give them the right amount of water as they

grow; they need more when they are sprouting and when they are flowering and less at othertimes. I have to make sure those that need it receive direct sunshine, while others get some shade

from bigger plants. These same principles apply when you try to help someone else to develop.”

“These plants really look good and healthy,” says Ling Li. “I can see that the harvest will be

plentiful.”

“I enjoy looking at them when they are like this, but I have to be watchful all the time. If I letgo of things, weeds grow, insects attack the plants and disease spreads. The harvest will then be

half, a third or even a tenth of what is should be. In the same way young minds need to be

nurtured and protected from what harms them. They should be trained in the sciences, the artsand morals so that they can produce wonderful results.”

As Mrs. Wong speaks, Ling Li’s mood gradually changes. She becomes quiet and reflective.After a while she says, “Mrs. Wong, what you say is not just about teachings others, is it? You

are also talking about me and the way I should train my own mind.”

“That is true, Ling Li. You have a brilliant mind and you have to take good care of it. Youhave to cultivate it. Your intellect is the greatest gift you have been given. You must use it and

make it grow. You should strive for intellectual excellence. ”

“I guess, I should study a lot more than I do now.”

“Maybe. You should be studious, but to learn you need to use the power of the intellect:reflection, comprehension and creativity. It is easy to repeat what others say without thinking and

to parrot words without understanding. You have to strive to understand the reason for things;

learn to ask the right questions and find answers to difficult problems.”

“I appreciate what you say Mrs. Wong. But I am not sure if I understand everything you are

telling me.”

Mrs. Wong laughs: “I do get carried away sometimes. Over the years, as we see each other,

we will have to talk a lot about intellectual excellence.”

go farming with JY,

lesson is about

knowledge



28


Knowledge is as wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is

incumbent upon everyone.

Discover for yourselves the reality of things, and strive to assimilate the methods by

which noble-mindedness and glory are attained among the nations and people of theworld.


1. It is essential for us to acquire knowledge. We need to gain knowledge of the physicaluniverse, to learn about society, and to understand spiritual realities. There is joy in learning

and what we learn can also benefit humanity. Describe how each of the following benefit you

and others:

Learning about the digestive system

Learning about the properties of agricultural soil

Learning poetry

Learning about the causes of wars

Learning multiplication and division

Learning about the properties of different herbs

Learning to write well

Learning about human relations



30

___ What I think may not be always right.

___ I should learn to examine problems from different angles.___ It is all right to be doodling while the teacher is explaining something.

___ Thinking is not important; what matters is how we feel.

___ To think well, I need to be detached from my emotions.___ I should only think about those problems that affect my own life.

___ I should be alert to the problems of others. I cannot be indifferent.___ I should not blindly believe what I hear.

___ To think well, I should learn to focus on relevant facts.

Now memorize the two quotations above.Intellectual Excellence

looking at comprehension, creativity

chemistery + right down reaction



31

PART III

On the way back to her grandparents’ home, Ling Li reflects on Mrs.

Wong’s words. She wonders what intellectual excellence really means. “I enjoy

working the land and I love science. Perhaps I should study agriculture. Then, Icould come back and help my grandparents. I could also teach science at the

school here, just like Mrs. Wong.” The more she thinks about the idea the more

she likes it. “I may have found a way to become a teacher and at the same timekeep the pact I made with Yan Tao and Lu Ming.”



33

7

Ling Li arrives at her grandparents’ home and is surprised to see her parents there. They both

embrace her. Before she has a chance to say anything, her grandmother explains: “We called and

asked your parents to come early, because our family is in trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?” asks Ling Li.

“Since you will hear it anyway, I should tell you myself, “says Mrs. Chen. “Some years ago,

your uncle, Yuan Chang, started gambling. The more he gambled, the more he got into the habit

of borrowing money. Every once in a while he would come to us and we would help him pay hisdebts. But this time he has borrowed and lost so much that we don’t know what to do.”

“What happens if he does not pay back his debt?” Ling Li asks.

“He will go to jail,” replies her mother with some anger in her voice.

“The only way to get that much money would be to sell our land,” says Mr. Chen.

“But you cannot do that,” cries Ling Li. “Yan Tao, Lu Ming, and I have made a pact to help

you farm the land.”

The grandmother hugs Ling Li with tears in her eyes, “I don’t understand. Yuan Chang is

intelligent and he is a good journalist. People like him. He is a very loving person. Look howmuch he loves Lu Ming. But he can’t control himself when it comes to gambling.”

“I remember, when he was a child you always gave him everything he wanted,” says LingLi’s mother.

“That may have been our mistake,” sighs Mrs. Chen. “He was the only boy, so we allowed

him to have and do anything he wanted. I was the one who spoiled him most. I spared him hardwork and let him play too much. What I did out of love may have actually harmed him.”

“When we were children, Mei Lan and I were sometimes jealous of the attention he used toget.”

“We loved all three of you equally, but we wrongly thought that a boy should be treateddifferently. As it turns out, you and your sister had a better upbringing. You got both love and

discipline. You were not allowed to do whatever you fancied. You learned self control.”

“But you cannot go on blaming yourselves. Perhaps it is time for my brother to learn his

lesson and take responsibility for his actions.”

“Tonight, the whole family is coming together to talk. We need to find a solution to thisproblem,” says Ling Li’s father.



34

Ling Li worries about Lu Ming. How will he feel, if his father is put in jail? How ashamed he

will be! Slowly she realizes that her own loneliness in Dong Shan is nothing compared to thepainful situation Lu Ming may be facing.


Having attained the stage of fulfilment and reached his maturity, man standeth in need of

wealth, and such wealth as he acquireth through crafts or professions is commendable

and praiseworthy in the estimation of men of wisdom, and especially in the eyes of

servants who dedicate themselves to the education of the world and to the edification of

its peoples.

Disencumber yourselves of all attachment to this world and the vanities thereof. Beware

that ye approach them not, inasmuch as they prompt you to walk after your own lusts and

covetous desires, and hinder you from entering the straight and glorious Path.


1. Wealth is necessary to satisfy our material needs. It should be acquired through honest work.

Decide which of the following ways of acquiring money is acceptable.

___ doing craft

___ teaching in a school___ smuggling goods

___ tailoring

___ gambling___ farming

___ painting

___ practicing law

___ writing books___ lending money and charging high interests

___ selling alcohol

___ buying and selling goods___ practicing medicine

___ working in construction

___ receiving bribes

2. The purpose for which we work is not solely to acquire wealth. We should look at work as ameans to serving others. Decide if the following statements are true or false:

True False

The more wealth we acquire the happier we are.

It is praiseworthy to acquire wealth through hard work.

It is a source of joy to spend our wealth for the education of others.



35

We are responsible for the well being of our family.

We are responsible for the well being of our community.

It is good to find an easy way to make money so that we don’thave to work hard.

We work and make money in order to buy lots of things.

Work performed with the intention to serve others makes usbetter people.

There is nothing wrong with allowing people do illegal thingsif they pay us money.

To be idle is one of our greatest enemies.

Striving for excellence in our work helps us grow spiritually.

3. We should direct our thoughts towards higher goals. The desire to seek temporary excitement

is a sign that our lives lack true meaning. Which of the following do you consider to be signs

of an empty life?

___ Being constantly concerned with how we look___ Teaching the children in our community___ Seeking fun all the time

___ Working and studying hard

___ Looking for solutions to the problems in our family___ Looking for solutions to the problems in our community

___ Engaging in idle talk

___ Showing off wealth___ Boasting about how much we know

___ Always purchasing the latest and most expensive items___ Wanting to learn all the time

___ Seeking popularity___ Developing discipline and self-restraint

___ Seeking pleasure in amassing wealth

___ Seeking contentment in helping others

4. In some of the things we do we need to exercise self-restraint. There are other acts soharmful, however, that we need to keep away from them completely. Decide which of the

following call for restraint , and which we should avoid altogether? Mark them accordingly.

Restraint Avoidance

playing

eating

gambling

buying things

cheating



36

watching TV

telling lies

drinking alcohol

behaving unchastely

speaking in a group discussion

gossiping

teasing others

getting angry

giving bribes

receiving bribes

using bad language

being greedy

detachment, consequence of our actions,



37

8

Ling Li, Yan Tao and Lu Ming spend the afternoon together. Although all three know about

the family crisis, they try not to mention it. As evening approaches they feel increasingly

anxious. By sunset, the entire family is gathered in the grandparents’ living room. There is anuneasy silence. The three children wonder whether they should stay.

“I think the three youngsters are as worried as the rest of us; let them stay and listen,” saysMr. Chen.”

“Before we say anything, I want us to remember that we all love each other and will alwaysbe united,” says Mrs. Chen.

“Let us also remember to be moderate in our speech and not say things that may hurtanother,” adds Mr. Chen.

Yuan Chang who is too embarrassed to look at the others turns to his parents and says: “I’mso sorry. I have made this mistake often and each time you have had to get me out of trouble.

This is not fair to you, nor is it fair to my wife and son whom I love. Each time I get in debt, I

decide never to gamble again. But after a while, I forget and give in to temptation. I truly want to

stop but I do not know how.”

“Good intentions are not enough, you need to exercise your will,” says his wife, with tears in

her eyes.

“Yuan Chang, you must know that gambling is addictive,” says Mrs. Chen. “You get

addicted to the anticipation of winning. So you keep playing for that one time out of a hundredthat you may win. You are after excitement.”

“Maybe, the solution is to find something else that will bring me more excitement,” responds

Yuan Chang thoughtfully.

“Or maybe it is not excitement you should be looking for. What we all want is joy, which is

something deeper. There is joy in being part of a loving family, in having true friends, in usingone’s talents and powers to serve others, and in learning even in old age. Your father and I have

recently found this joy in our study sessions. Joy comes when are hearts are attached to higher

things. As a matter of fact, the children and I talked about this just a few days ago.” Mrs. Chenlooks at her three grandchildren and continues: “They understood that our hearts will either be

attracted to higher things or given to lower desires.”

“You are a journalist and you write well. Everyone is pleased with your work. Doesn’t this

bring you joy?” asks Ling Li’s mother.

“Yes, it does. I love my family and I enjoy my work. It is just that I have been too easy onmyself. I must take responsibility for my actions and pay back the money that I gambled away.

But I won’t be able to give it back all at once. I will have to find extra work and make monthly



38

payments. If the money lenders don’t accept that,” Yuan Chang raises his head, “then I will pay

by going to jail.”

Seeing Yuan Chang’s sincerity and determination, Ling Li’s father turns to him and says,

“We don't want you to risk going to jail. Your sister and I have saved some money in the pastfew years; we will lend it to you. Just give us your word that you will save and pay us back

before too long. I have a feeling that, this time, you will keep your word. ”


…the family, being a human unit, must be educated according to the rules of sanctity. All

the virtues must be taught the family. The integrity of the family bond must be constantly

considered, and the rights of the individual members must not be transgressed…. The

injury of one shall be considered the injury of all; the comfort of each, the comfort of all;

the honor of one, the honor of all.

Strive ye by day and night to cultivate your unity to the fullest degree. Let your thoughts

dwell on your own spiritual development, and close your eyes to the deficiencies of other

souls. Act ye in such wise, showing forth pure and goodly deeds, and modesty and

humility, that ye will cause others to be awakened.


1. One learns and practices human virtues within the family first. When every member of the

family strives to acquire these virtues, the family will prosper. Which of the following do you

observe in members of a family that aspire towards excellence?

___ They are concerned with the well being of each other.

___ They are rude and impolite to each other.

___ They help each other progress.___ They feel free to do whatever they like without any consideration for others.

___ They are scared of each other.

___ They trust each other.___ They feel loved by the other members.

___ They feel joy in the successes of the other members.

___ They shout and scream at each other.___ They squabble over every little thing.

___ They agree with whatever other members of the family do.

___ They constantly criticize each other.___ They try to correct the mistakes of each other.

___ They gossip and backbite about other people.

___ They forgive each other’s mistakes.

___ One member dominates the rest.___ There discuss matters with frankness and courtesy.

___ Children don’t do anything to sadden the hearts of their parents.

___ Children consider it a privilege to serve their parents.



41

9

Ling Li’s parents stay in Yuan Fen for almost a week. They celebrate the first two days of the

New Year with the family before going back to Dong Shan. Ling Li has almost forgotten about

the city and finds life in Yuan Fen, especially when her parents are there, to be filled withhappiness. She shows her parents the cup and the bowl she has made with the help of her

grandfather. It is impossible not to notice a fresh joy and enthusiasm in Ling Li. Before she

leaves, her mother has a long talk with Mr. and Mrs. Chen. Then her father is asked to join theirconversation. Ling Li is curious about what they are discussing but she knows it is not polite to

ask. A few weeks later, she will be told by her parents that on that day they promised Mr. and

Mrs. Chen to make changes to their lives in the city and never to allow Ling Li to lose hernewfound spirit.

Now there is only one week left before Ling Li also has to leave. The grandparents want tosee the children as often as possible and share with them the new spiritual insights they have

been gaining in recent months. This is how they introduce the idea to the children:

“The two of us have lived long enough to have seen most things change,” begins Mr. Chen.

“Great Harmony had been the highest goal of our nation for centuries. We were not that much

older than you when many of us thought that we had attained to this great ideal. All over the

country, people were striving for equality and justice. We worked hard and were willing to makesacrifices. Poverty was being overcome. Women were being freed from the oppression they had

suffered for hundreds of years. Basic education was beginning to reach almost everyone.

Superstition was giving way to scientific knowledge.”

“I feel the harmony more here than in Dong Shan,” says Ling Li.

“Well, things did not go exactly as we had hoped. Problems arose that we must now try to

solve,” says Mrs. Chen.

“What happened”? asks Lu Ming.

“Your grandfather and I are coming to the conclusion that conflict could not have possibly

brought us harmony. We thought if the poor struggled against the rich, the uneducated struggledagainst the educated, the meek struggled against the powerful, we would be able to bring about

equality. I suppose some struggle could not be avoided, but once you get used to the ways of

conflict, then you lose sight of unity.”

“You see, no two human beings can ever be exactly the same,” adds Mr. Chen. “We all have

different talents and capacities. But despite our differences, we can be united just like themembers of the human body. When one part aches, does it not affect the whole body? We, too,

should feel the pain and sadness of others.”

“But this is not how things are today. Some people keep taking everything for themselvesand don’t share with those in need,” says Ling Li.



43

___ coordinating the efforts of the designer, the engineer, and the workers

Persuading people of a spiritual truth

___ putting fear in their hearts___ sharing concepts in a clear and kindly language

___ enticing them through promise of reward___ preaching one thing and doing the opposite

___ acting according to the spiritual truth being taught

Bringing prosperity to society

___ forcing the rich to give to the poor

___ teaching children generosity from a young age

___ establishing just laws___ creating desire in people for material things

___ educating people to see different parts of humanity as members of one human body

2. “Acquiring perfections” is another term that we can use to talk about “striving for

excellence”. There are infinite degrees of perfection and we can never claim that we have

acquired them all. We can only keep trying harder and harder to live up to the high standardsof excellence. Certain attitudes and qualities enable us to walk the path towards perfection

and others will be obstacles on this path. Decide which of the following help us strive for

excellence and which slow down our progress. Mark them accordingly.

Help Slow

Always trying to learn from the wisdom of others

Thinking of our own personal gain in everything we do

Seeking recognition

Doing good deeds and not caring if anyone ever knows about them

Trying to prove we are better than others

Showing off our achievements

Forgetting our selves and focusing on the needs of others

Avoiding pride

Believing that we know a lot

Competing with others

Cooperating with others

Attaching too much importance to wealth and position

Being detached from worldly things



45

PART IV

MRS. CHEN

Mrs. Chen who is an excellent teacher prepares a number of lessons on

spiritual excellence for her grandchildren to study before Ling Li leaves. In eachlesson she introduces an idea and then shares with them a few quotations from

the new Teachings she and her husband have been studying the past fewmonths. At the end of each lesson, there are a few questions to be discussed.



47

LESSON 1

Mrs. Chen begins by explaining that the first condition of spiritual excellence is “rectitude of

conduct”. She helps the youngsters understand the concept by reminding them of “Dao”:

“For us Chinese,” she tells them, “Dao has several meanings, one of which is ‘the way’. We

can think of Dao as the straight path towards perfection. Rectitude of conduct keeps us on this

path and does not allow us to go astray.”

Next, she presents to them a list of words and asks them to separate those that represent

rectitude of conduct from those that indicate the lack of it:Lack of

Rectitude Rectitude

Righteousness

Mischief

Falsehood

Integrity

Morality

Waywardness

Deception

Corruption

Uprightness

Mrs. Chen then relates a saying of Mencius: “I like life, but there is that which I like morethan life. Therefore, I will not do wrong in order to hold on to my life. I do not like death, but

there is that which I dislike more than death. Therefore, there are times when I will not avoid

danger. If there were nothing that man liked more than life, what would stop him from doinganything whatsoever to stay alive? If there were nothing which man disliked more than death,

what would stop him from doing wrong in order to avoid danger? ”

“What Mencius likes more than life,” continues Mrs. Chen, “is rectitude of conduct and whathe dislikes more than death is falsehood.” She reminds them that rectitude of conduct implies

justice, equity, truthfulness, honesty, fair-mindedness, reliability, and trustworthiness.

Ling Li and her cousins read the quotations below, and discuss the questions that follow. You

may find it helpful to do the same.

It is incumbent upon everyone to show the utmost love, rectitude of conduct,

straightforwardness and sincere kindliness unto all the peoples and kindreds of the

world, be they friends or strangers.



48

Amity and rectitude of conduct, rather than dissension and mischief, are the marks of true

faith.

1. Why is it important to treat not only friends but also strangers with rectitude of conduct?

2. Is it always easy to act with rectitude? Why not?

3. Is it all right for a person who is upright to feel proud and look down on those who make

mistakes?



49

LESSON 2

Mrs. Chen tells her grandchildren that, first and foremost, rectitude of conduct implies

truthfulness and honesty. She describes truthfulness in this way:

“Truthfulness is to our soul, what eyes are to our body. Without it we are blind. Truthfulness

helps us understand and practice all the other virtues. For example, it is possible to be brave and

fearless in the face of danger, but if we cannot see the truth, we may use our courage for thewrong purpose. If we are kind but not truthful, to give another example, we can turn into

hypocrites.”

“There is another quality,” Mrs. Chen continues “that is inseparable from truthfulness:

honesty. To be honest is to be truthful not only in words, but also in thoughts and deeds. When

we are honest, we are open and sincere. An honest person does not deceive or steal. Confuciushas said that everyone desires riches and honor, but an honest person would shun the idea of

seeking them unlawfully; no one likes poverty and humiliation, but an honest person would not

go astray in order to avoid them.”

Next, Mrs. Chen presents the youth with several phrases. As they read the sentences one by

one, they examine the wisdom contained in each:

The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names.

The measure of a man’s character is what he would do if he knew he would never befound out.

The elegance of honesty needs no adornment.

Lying can never save us from another lie.

To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest

No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself and another to the

multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which one is true.

Prefer a loss to a dishonest gain; the one brings pain at the moment, the other for all time.

Ling Li, Yan Tao and Lu Ming memorize the quotations below and discuss the questions that

follow with their grandparents:

Follow thou in the footsteps of the truthful and tread the way of the righteous.



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A truthful person will be protected from all moral afflictions, will shrink from every evil

deed, and be preserved from every wicked act, inasmuch as all vices and misdeeds are

the very antithesis of truthfulness, and a truthful man will hold them all in utter

abhorrence.

Honesty, virtue, wisdom and a saintly character redound to the exaltation of man, while

dishonesty, imposture, ignorance and hypocrisy lead to his abasement. … Man'sdistinction lieth not in ornaments or wealth, but rather in virtuous behaviour and true

understanding.

1. What is more valuable for a person to possess, wealth or honesty?

2. Who are some of the people who encourage you to be truthful and honest?

3.

What is there in the environment around you that tempts you to deviate from honesty?



51

LESSON 3

In this lesson Mrs. Chen reminds her grandchildren that rectitude of conduct also means the

exercise of justice:

“Think of some of the things you know to be true” she says. “How did you learn them? You

either read them in a book, or heard them from someone. But how can we be sure that what we

read or hear is true? The spiritual quality that enables each of us to see the truth is justice.Without justice, we have difficulty separating truth from falsehood. One of the greatest truths

that we see with the aid of justice is the oneness of humankind: that we are one; that we are like

the different parts of a single body. When we realize this truth we become champions of justice.We try our best to create a society that is organized according to the principles of justice. Think,

for example of the children of the world. Every child should be able to receive nutritious food,

good education, shelter, medical care, and of course a great deal of love. A society in whichsome children are deprived of these basic benefits is not just. It is in this sense that Confucius has

said that if justice goes astray, the people will stand about in helpless confusion.”

In answer to Lu Ming, who says he always thought justice meant punishment, Mrs. Chen

explains that while each one of us should forgive a person who does us wrong, society should

have laws that would punish those who harm others. But that is only half of what needs to be

done. Justice also means reward for those who act nobly.

Mrs. Chen then helps the three youth deepen their understanding by asking them to read a

number of phrases on justice inspired by the teachings she and her husband have been studying.They discuss briefly the meaning of each sentence:

With the aid of justice we see with our own eyes and not through the eyes of others.

In order to be just we need to treat others as we would wish to be treated.

Winds of oppression and tyranny quench the light of justice.

To exercise justice we have to free ourselves from imitation.

The light of justice removes the darkness of prejudice and enmity.

Those who counsel others to be just and themselves commit injustice stand accused offalsehood.

The force of justice conquers the hearts of people.

Justice requires that we dedicate ourselves to promoting the highest interests of the whole

of humanity.

A just person does not overstep the bounds of moderation.



52

Next, the three youngsters read a few quotations about justice and discuss the questions thatfollow:

And if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose for thy neighbor that which thou

choosest for thyself.

Justice is a powerful force. It is, above all else, the conqueror of the citadels of the hearts

and souls of men, and the revealer of the secrets of the world of being, and the standard

bearer of love and bounty.

That which traineth the world is justice, for it is upheld by two pillars, reward and

punishment. These two pillars are the sources of life to the world.

Justice is not limited, it is a universal quality. Its operation must be carried out in all

classes, from the highest to the lowest. Justice must be sacred, and the rights of all the

people must be considered. Desire for others only that which you desire for yourselves.

1. Does justice means asking for our rights?

2. Can we be just and forgive those who harm us?

3. How should the noble acts of a teacher and a farmer be rewarded in a just society?

4. Do we have to judge others in order to be just?



53

LESSON 4

Mrs. Chen explains that lastly, rectitude of conduct implies trustworthiness and reliability:

“If we are truthful, honest and just, people will believe what we say and do—we will becomeworthy of their trust. To be trustworthy we should fulfill our promises. We should not say we

will do something that we know we cannot do, or worse, promise something that we have no

intention of doing. When we are trustworthy others come to rely on us. They know that we willdo our tasks to the best of our abilities. There is an old Chinese saying: ‘Truth is the way of

heaven, trustworthiness is the way of man.’”

She then asks them to choose from each pair of phrases below the one that describes what a

trustworthy person would do:

Dealing honestly with what belongs to others

Dealing carelessly with money and property given to our safekeeping

Showing kindness out of sincere concern

Showing kindness to gain popularity

Being loyal in friendships under difficult conditionsAbandoning friends when they are in the midst of a crisis

Blaming others for one’s own mistakesTaking responsibility for one’s own mistakes

Meeting the challenges that duty demandsGiving up in the face difficulties

Breaking promises

Abiding by agreements made

Next, the three youth memorize these quotations and discuss the questions that follow withMr. and Mrs. Chen:

Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor and look upon him with a bright and friendly face.

Be a treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich, an answerer of the cry of the needy,

a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge.

…no man should enter the house of his friend save at his friend’s pleasure, nor lay hands

upon his treasures nor prefer his own will to his friend’s, and in no wise seek an

advantage over him.



54

Blessed be the soul that shineth with the light of trustworthiness among the people and

becometh a sign of perfection amidst all men.

1. Are we untrustworthy when we break our ties with a friend who is dishonest?

2. Are we untrustworthy when we cannot keep a promise that has become impossible to fulfill?

3. Are youth able to take responsibility for important tasks?



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LESSON 5

Mrs. Chen mentions that the second condition of excellence is a chaste and holy life, which

implies modesty, purity, temperance, decency, and clean-mindedness. She begins by describing

purity, the foundation on which a chaste life must be built:

“Picture a mirror. If you clean it of all dust, it reflects the light. In the same way, when a

heart is cleansed of such imperfections as envy, hate and pride, it becomes pure and can reflectheavenly light. Mencius has said that a noble man does not lose his childlike heart. This is true of

course, but we must remember that a child’s heart is pure out of innocence and weakness, and

that a child’s purity has not yet been tested. You are now at an age when you cannot beconsidered children any more. As you grow up, you will become wise and strong. Yet, you will

each have to be watchful and take great care not to lose the purity of your heart. You should not

allow the mirror of your heart to become stained with the impurities of this world. But this youshould do through the power of reason and faith. You can remain pure only through effort and

the exercise of will.”

Mrs. Chen then explains that the concept of purity is often misunderstood and asks the youth

to identify from the list below those attributes that imply purity and those that are wrongly

associated with it:

Being genuine

Being sincere

Being naïveBeing free from hypocrisy

Having a clean mind

Having a clean bodyBeing stupid

Being free from pride

Being fanatical

Being simple-mindedBeing free from deceit

Being selfless

Being weakBeing emotional

Being intelligent

Being kindNot being pretentious

The youth memorize the quotations below and discuss with their grandparents the questions

that follow:

My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a

sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting.



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First in a human being's way of life must be purity, then freshness, cleanliness, and

independence of spirit. First must the stream bed be cleansed, then may the sweet river

waters be led into it.

1. A hypocrite is one who pretends to be upright when he is not. What is worst, having many

weaknesses or being a hypocrite?

2. What are some of the impurities from which we should cleanse our thoughts?

3. Who actually accomplishes more in this world, the pure in heart or the insincere?



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Let your thoughts dwell on your own spiritual development, and close your eyes to the

deficiencies of other souls. Act ye in such wise, showing forth pure and goodly deeds, and

modesty and humility, that ye will cause others to be awakened.

1.

What is the difference between moderation and mediocrity?

2. What are some habits that go against the standards of modesty?

3. Which kind of behavior results in joy, one that follows the standards of modesty and decency

or one that goes against them?



59

LESSON 7

In the final lesson, Mrs. Chen tells her grandchildren about a third condition of spiritual

excellence—freedom from prejudice:

“As you seek excellence in all things, you should always be aware of the dangers of pride.

All your achievements will come to nothing if you begin to feel superior to others. You should

not feel superior to anyone and you must avoid every kind of prejudice, whether related to race,nationality, gender, class or level of education. When a group of people is ignorant, it is easily

persuaded that some other group is inferior to it. The resulting prejudice becomes the cause of

immense suffering, sometimes to millions and millions of individuals. This happens especiallywhen those who are only interested in their own power and wealth take advantage of people’s

ignorance and fan the fire of prejudice in their hearts.

“Prejudice passes from one generation to another; that is why we should not blindly imitate

others, but rather be engaged in the sincere search for truth. Search of truth with fairness and

purity of heart leads us to the understanding that humankind is one. All possess spiritual qualitiesand talents that need to be developed. Distinction does not lie in outward appearances, but in

purity of heart and excellence of character. We will get closer to our long cherished “Great

Harmony” as more and more people purge their hearts from the many prejudices that are to be

found in every society today.”

Mrs. Chen then tells the youth that prejudice is often shown in the way we talk about a group

of people. She gives them the following examples and asks them to examine briefly how eachstatement reflects prejudice:

Girls are not good at mathematics.Illiterate people are not intelligent.

Foreigners cannot be trusted.

Poor people are lazy.

Rich people are arrogant.Teenagers are rebellious.

Villagers are backward.

The indigenous peoples are uncivilized.Women are not as intelligent as men.

The natives of this land are passive.

People of that race are not very good looking.People of that area have no idea of decency.

People from that region are all stingy.

People from that city are cunning.Young people cannot understand profound ideas when they are only twelve or thirteen.

Finally, the three youth read and memorize the quotations below and discuss the questions

that follow:



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…no one should glorify himself over another; no one should manifest pride or superiority

toward another; no one should look upon another with scorn and contempt; and no one

should deprive or oppress a fellow creature.

Humility exalteth man to the heaven of glory and power, whilst pride abaseth him to the

depths of wretchedness and degradation.

Man must cut himself free from all prejudice and from the result of his own imagination,

so that he may be able to search for truth unhindered.

Do not listen to anything that is prejudiced, for self-interest prompts men to be

prejudiced.

1. Can we be prejudiced without knowing it?

2. Can we be prejudiced if we are just?

3. What can we do in order to free ourselves from prejudice?



CONCLUSION

Ling Li’s return to Dong Shan has been arranged to coincide with a trip her

teacher Mrs. Wong has to make to the city. Ling Li is rather quiet during most

of the train ride. She is sad to leave her grandparents and cousins, but hersadness is not of the kind that hurts. She also feels joy when she thinks of the

life that lies ahead of her. As they share their small lunch in their cabin, Mrs.

Wong asks her how she would summarize her experience in Yuan Fen.“Learning about excellence,” Ling Li is quick to answer as she opens up a

scroll— one of the three calligraphy pieces her grandparents gave to the cousins

as gifts at the end of their week of studies, and shows it to her. “Please read it tome,” asks Mrs. Wong.

Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. Be worthy of the trust

of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face. Be a

treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich, an answerer to the cry of

the needy, a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge. Be fair in thy

judgment, and guarded in thy speech. Be unjust to no man, and show all

meekness to all men. Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy

to the sorrowful, a sea for the thirsty, a haven for the distressed, an

upholder and defender of the victim of oppression. Let integrity and

uprightness distinguish all thine acts. Be a home for the stranger, a balm

to the suffering, a tower of strength for the fugitive. Be eyes to the blind,

and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring. Be an ornament to the

countenance of truth, a crown to the brow of fidelity, a pillar of the temple

of righteousness, a breath of life to the body of mankind, an ensign of the

hosts of justice, a luminary above the horizon of virtue, a dew to the soil of

the human heart, an ark on the ocean of knowledge, a sun in the heaven of

bounty, a gem on the diadem of wisdom, a shining light in the firmament

of thy generation, a fruit upon the tree of humility.

There are times in the life of a young person that the happenings of a few

weeks or even a few days can be the cause of profound change. Mrs. Wong

understands that this vacation has been such an occasion for Ling Li. Shedecides not to ask her many questions and leaves her to her thoughts. As the

train approaches the outskirts of the city, Ling Li tries to count the trees passing

by again. She smiles as she thinks to herself: “The trees all seem to be goingback towards our village. But then, every one should go to Yuan Fen at least

once in a lifetime.”

learning about excellence

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