"Establishing Oneself Through

"Establishing Oneself Through Learning, Cultivating the Way Through Virtue"—A Visit to the Puli Confucius Temple

In the evening, I entered the Yuhuatang Confucius Temple. The three characters "Confucius Temple" on the red plaque gleamed in the dim light, like a lamp of learning for us mortals, reminding us: Studying is not for wealth and honor, but for establishing a stable life and for knowing when to stop and find stability.

I slowly walked past the stone pillars and entered the Dacheng Hall, silently addressing my teacher:

"I do not come here for fame and fortune, but rather to learn to be content and attain self-awareness. I do not seek recognition, but rather to understand the ways of life, know when to advance and when to retreat, and ultimately achieve the highest good."

Among the temples dedicated to the gods, the Confucius Temple is a rare place devoid of incense and devoted to ritual. It does not seek kneeling, but only respect and self-reflection.

A single unburned incense stick of the heart is worth more than a thousand floating incense sticks.

A silent self-question is the deepest tribute to the teacher's way.

I stood silently before the temple for a long time, silent, gazing at the tablet bearing the inscription "Great Sage and Teacher."

What arose in my mind wasn't questions, but a sense of direction—in this world often lost in thought, Confucian compassion means convincing others with reason and cultivating oneself with virtue. Young lady, in your path to enlightenment, you should also do the same.

Post by 諸文武 | Aug 15, 2025