You Ruo Fails to Obey Confucius’ Teachings

(Clearwisdom.net) You Ruo was Confucius’ student. Because he spoke like Confucius, his speech sounded very philosophical, and he thus gained a good reputation amongst the disciples. After Confucius’ death, the disciples had no one to teach them or answer their questions. Since You Ruo’s speeches sounded very similar to Confucius’ teachings, they decided that he should be the teacher.

However, You Ruo’s failure to obey Confucius was exposed shortly after he became the teacher. Unable to answer many of the disciples’ questions, he was shaken and at a loss for words. By then, the disciples were awakened and asked him to step down from the teaching position. They said: "When Teacher was alive, regardless of the disciples’ questions, he provided answers with perfection and subtlety that truly inspired our minds. You merely adorn your speeches and do not understand the subtlety of the Tao. You do not deserve to be our teacher!"

In Confucius’ "Lun Yu," there are three speeches by You Ruo in the Record of Lectures. His speeches were based on his level of understanding. When we read them now, his interpretations not only limit people’s understandings, they are also wrong. Another disciple, Zi Xia, had also inserted his own words in "Lun Yu." Although his interpretations seem easy to understand, in reality, he has disseminated inaccuracies for generations.

When Shakyamuni was close to reaching Nirvana, he warned his disciples that whenever they stated Shakyamuni’s teachings, they had to add, "This is what I’ve heard," or, "The following words are the original words I heard from the Buddha." Whenever Confucius’ disciples introduced his words, they also said "Confucius said." These are not merely words of formality. They carry profound implications.

Once we learn this concept, we should understand Teacher’s requirement to add: "Teacher Li Hongzhi said," or, "This is how it’s written in the book," whenever we use Teacher’s words to spread the Fa. We can only discuss our understandings and should not treat our words as the Fa. As we compare You Ruo’s disobedience with Zi Gong’s respect toward his teacher, we find that their states of mind are completely opposite. Just like some people today, once they have understood a little bit of the Fa, or they feel that they have obtained a bit of capability, they either develop demonic interference from their own minds, or are influenced by flattery. They even consider themselves Buddhas or Taos. Isn’t it absurd? When we encounter these kinds of practitioners, we should follow Teacher’s instructions, and not be confused by them. As Dafa practitioners, we are responsible for safeguarding the Fa. We do not allow behavior that undermines the Fa, whether it is intentional or not. The duty of safeguarding the Fa begins with oneself.

Chinese version available at http://minghui.ca/mh/articles/2006/6/18/130630.html

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