Reading the "Tractate of the Exalted One on Response and Retribution"

– Do Not Tread the Path of Wickedness, Do Not Deceive in Private.

Reading the "Tractate of the Exalted One on Response and Retribution" – Fortune and Misfortune Have No Gates; They Are Summoned by Oneself. Let me begin with a preface. Some friends say that although this book is short, reading it a thousand times is not excessive. It truly serves as a beacon of wisdom in our lives, guiding us through the complexities of the world to uphold righteousness, practice kindness, accumulate virtue and blessings, and ultimately move toward a bright future.

Just studying the first passage alone brings immeasurable benefits. If people truly understood the meaning of the phrase, "Fortune and misfortune have no gates; they are summoned by oneself. The retribution for good and evil follows like a shadow," they would surely act with caution in all matters, not daring to be the slightest bit reckless, thereby attracting good fortune and avoiding disaster. This would lead to a life filled with auspiciousness and fulfillment.

Today, we continue to study some classic passages from this book:

What is in accord with the Dao, advance in; what is not in accord with the Dao, retreat from. Do not tread the path of wickedness; do not deceive in private. Accumulate virtue and merit; be compassionate toward all beings. Be loyal and filial, friendly and respectful; rectify yourself and transform others. Pity the orphaned and comfort the widowed; respect the aged and care for the young. Even insects, grass, and trees should not be harmed. It is fitting to sympathize with others’ misfortunes and rejoice in their goodness. Relieve others’ emergencies and rescue them from peril. See others’ gains as your own gains; see others’ losses as your own losses. Do not expose others’ shortcomings; do not flaunt your own strengths. Suppress evil and promote goodness; yield the greater share and take the lesser. Do not harbor resentment when insulted; be humble and cautious when favored. Give kindness without seeking in return; give to others without regret.

The meaning of this passage is:

Whenever a matter aligns with heavenly principles and righteousness, one should courageously move forward and strive to fulfill it (cultivating goodness). Matters that do not align with heavenly principles and righteousness should not be pursued (abstaining from evil). In this way, one can attract good fortune and avoid disaster. Do not tread the path of wickedness (refrain from evil deeds and crooked practices). Do not deceive overtly or covertly; do not commit wrongful acts or engage in shameful behavior.

Practice compassion, joy, and generosity; diligently perform good deeds and accumulate both visible merits and hidden virtues. Cultivate a compassionate heart and care for all living beings. Be loyal to one’s country, filial to one’s parents, and friendly and respectful to siblings. Cultivate noble character and upright conduct, and guide others through transformation. Show pity and provide relief to orphans, widows, and those with no one to rely on. Respect the elderly and comfort the young. For all things in the universe—every bird, beast, aquatic creature, even insects, and down to grass and trees—maintain a compassionate heart and refrain from intentionally harming them.

When others encounter misfortune or evil, sympathize with them. When others perform good deeds, rejoice and praise them. When others face emergencies, generously offer assistance. When others suffer calamity, promptly rescue them to alleviate their distress and suffering. Rejoice in others’ achievements (successes) as if they were your own. Feel others’ failures (disappointments) as if they were your own. Do not publicize others’ shortcomings or flaws; do not boast about your own strengths or virtues.

Prevent evil deeds and promote good deeds. Yield the greater and better share to others, while taking the lesser for yourself. When insulted, do not harbor resentment; when favored, remain humble and cautious. Extend kindness to others without seeking回报; give generously without regret.

Now, let’s focus on the eight words: "Do not tread the path of wickedness; do not deceive in private." In this lifetime, one should not engage in crooked practices or commit deeds that cannot see the light of day.

In a complex world, upholding righteousness is both an internal commitment and a reverence for all things. Not treading the path of wickedness signifies respect for moral boundaries and reverence for unseen principles. Not deceiving in private reflects strict self-discipline.

It is often said that a noble person must be cautious even when alone. When solitary, one must remain vigilant, for the divine watches from above. By upholding righteousness and nurturing kind thoughts even in solitude, one naturally receives the protection of heaven and earth.

Nurturing kind thoughts in the heart allows life to be illuminated by a light that guides our path forward.

True cultivation does not lie in the lofty halls of temples but in the "dark room"—the self-discipline and introspection during solitude, the inward observation of one’s heart. In the stillness of night, with flickering lamplight, we face every aspect of ourselves with the most sincere heart. The inner light we ignite then illuminates our entire existence.

Kind thoughts should be diligently nurtured, while improper desires must be immediately discarded.