"To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness." -- Confucius
I'm spending the weekend with friends at Post Ranch in Big Sur -- and the setting is otherworldly. In the infinity pool at right, you feel as though you're flying above the Pacific, which sings in its rhythmic cadence hundreds of feet below. This is a paradise for those who love to meditate -- and I count myself among them. So, I'm contemplating Confucius and his thoughts on perfect virtue. Assuming gravity does not preclude an abiding sense of humor, my friends tell me I do quite well with this list. Evidently, I have chosen wisely, because my friends possess all these qualities in abundance. (In addition, they're witty, adventuresome, brilliant, loyal, passionate, erudite . . . I could go on.)
My favorite virtue is generosity of soul -- such an inexplicable and necessary thing in leading a joyful life. Just as the infinity pool overflows its brim, so too does my love for this world pour past its edges.
Can we maintain the five virtues under all circumstances, as Confucius specifies? Can we be generous in the face of dishonesty, or kind in response to an action that is intentionally misleading? These represent complex spiritual challenges even for the most evolved among us -- and the answers require more than a weekend of enlightenment.
In the meantime, here in Big Sur, we've met new friends from Paris, London, Chicago and Los Angeles -- a fascinating array of corporate tycoons, innovative artists and groundbreaking entrepreneurs among them. Life is a bountiful adventure, in all its natural wonders, with all its opportunities for artistic and spiritual growth. My cup runneth over.
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I’ve heard that Post Ranch is one of the most spectacular hotels on earth.
ReplyDeleteThe rumors are true.
Deleteis it even appropriate to be “kind in response to an action that is intentionally damaging?!”
ReplyDeleteI think of kindness as a reflection of one's own character -- in line with Confucius' views. But inherently kind people can have a great deal of fortitude as well.
DeleteWhat is the difference between sincerity and earnestness? Aren't they the same thing?
ReplyDeletePerhaps sincerity applies to our interactions with others and earnestness pertains to all else -- professional labors, etc.? I wonder about this as well.
DeleteDid you get to go to the second infinity pool?
ReplyDeleteI did, and it was even more hypnotic than the first!
DeleteI have always wanted to go to the Post Ranch. I'll have to save up my pennies for a few years before I can afford it.
ReplyDeleteIt will be worth the wait, Anand!
DeleteI ask this in the most respectful way possible, ...Do you accept marriage proposals online?!
ReplyDeleteSadly, I cannot discuss marriage proposals online, Marcus. Truthfully, I'm flummoxed by discussing them in person as well. But thank you for being respectful in your inquiry.
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