Read, reflect, pray
Taishang Ganying Pian 22: The mind before action
English rendering of the Japanese reader’s section 22. The 24 divisions are this site’s editorial divisions, not original chapters.
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English rendering
When a good intention arises, even before it is carried out, auspicious spirits already follow. When an evil intention arises, even before it is carried out, inauspicious spirits already follow.
Reading note from this site
The teaching turns attention to intention. Rather than endlessly blaming yourself for a passing feeling, it can prompt reflection on which action to choose next.
Chinese source passage
夫心起於善，善雖未為，而吉神已隨之；或心起於惡，惡雖未為，而凶神已隨之。
Based on the classical text and this site’s independently prepared Japanese rendering. Classical source edition