The highest state of cultivation is to resolve an issue amicably without restraining or suppressing oneself.
化解是最高境界,而不是克制、压制。
The Chinese people often suggest that we bear and forbear in the face of every situation. As a matter of fact, forbearance is only temporary, and not the highest state of cultivation.
中国有一个字叫“忍”,就是什么事情都要忍。其实,忍耐是暂时的,忍不是最高境界。
You all have seen the movie, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (Note: a ninja, etymologically, is someone who endures). The Chinese character for forbearance, “忍” (Ren), depicts the sharp edge of a knife hanging on top of the heart. When forbearance is pushed to its limit, the heart can be broken as the knife falls.
大家都看过电影《忍者龟》,忍到最后他是在心上放了一把刀,他总有一天会用这把刀把心搞得破碎。
Hence, when first encountering differences of opinion, you should have learned how to resolve the matter. Initially, you can present all your points of view for discussion, and then try to use wisdom to resolve any disagreement.
当你们大家有不同意见的时候,要学会怎样去化解,首先可以把观点讲出来,然后用智慧把矛盾化解掉。
“Harmony is invaluable”. Now, let us delve into the idea of “harmony” in this saying. Harmony means amicability, and it should be given top priority in whatever we do.
现在给大家解释一下“和为贵”的“和”字。“和”大家都知道“平和”。“和”就是说一切的一切都要以“和”为出发点。
Many regard harmony as simply living in peace with others, not realising that it actually means more than peaceful coexistence.
许多人不知道,以为“和”字就是我和你和谐相处、和平共处等。
If a very kind original intent is used when solving problems, then every problem can indeed be readily solved. Hence, this original intent is notably valuable. Only harmony can work to bring our views, opinions and lifestyles closer together.
如果你有一个非常好的出发点来解决问题,那么什么事情都能迎刃而解,所以出发点是很珍贵的。唯有“和”才能把我们的思想见解和生活方式逐渐拉近。