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Lord Wen Chang's Tract-Taoist Inspired Dramatic Monologue, Released Into Public Domain
Lord Wen Chang's Tract-Taoist Inspired Dramatic Monologue, Released Into Public Domain
The August Sage recounts,
For the 17 past lives I have been a Scholar Official, I was neither imperious nor inhumane. I saved the distressed, aided the desperate, succored the orphaned and borne insolence with patience. I labored at all times to forward the public good without regard for personal acclaim. Those who can conduct themselves as I have will be bestowed fortune by Heaven. Thus, I hereby leave these teachings for the benefit of posterity:
The dignity of a triumphant arch belongs to those who prevent miscarriages of justice; blessings as dense as a grand old oak are the fruit of charity. Mercy towards ants yield high honors, and he who tears away fear from the hearts of men shall rise to high office.
For boundless merit springs from the heart fertile with virtue!
Strive always for the ease of others, and be selflessly virtuous. Benefit all and raise good deed after good deed. Assume Heaven’s Mandate of promoting piety and prosperity; be loyal and filial, reverent and sincere. Whether Buddhist or Taoist, all faiths are united by virtue. So repay the kindness of family, nation, religion and community, promote interfaith harmony, and save those in need or danger with lighting speed. Help orphans and widows ; cherish the elderly and pity the poor. Be frugal so you may always give, provide pauper’s graves, be generous with your poorer friends and kin, be honest in business, and kind to subordinates. Build temples, provide medicine and water, purchase and liberate animals slated for slaughter. Moreover, hold the eight precepts and be vegan. Tread not on insects and refrain from hunting and arson ; do not trap birds or poison marine life. Light lamps to illume the way and provide ferries so all may cross. Do not slaughter cattle nor discard sacred texts ; covet not the wealth of others nor envy their talents. Abstain from seducing the wives and daughters of others, be not litigious, and besmirch no one. Cause no marital strife and break not fraternal and parental bonds. Do not wield wealth and power against the weak and poor ; stay away from evil to avoid being caught in their calamities, and befriend men of virtue. Be not hypocritical and clear the paths of vines and rubble. Build roads and bridges ; help others succeed and be tactful. Observe the Sages, embrace virtue and eschew vice! Do so and you shall receive divine protection, and reap prosperity for yourself and your posterity. Boundless blessings rain down upon the selflessly virtuous!
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