Thursday, December 10, 2009

Maxim 23

By successfully concealing his crimes, a person can't consider himself honorable. He knows he's done wrong.

By constantly bragging, a person can't claim to be famous even if he hears his name mentioned everywhere he goes.

By affecting the manner of holy men, monks may receive veneration, but a pious demeanor never made anyone a saint.

What are true honor, true recognition and true piety? They are internal qualities, not superficial acts or appearances.

When a man's conscience is free from stain, he is honorable.

When his reputation for integrity precedes him, he is famous.

When humility and reverence for the Dharma flow naturally out of his character, he is esteemed.

~ Han Shan ~

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