Yan En

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NO.1 Sincerity and Truthfulness – Parents As time passes, I have come to understand the joys and sorrows of life. From being born and learning to speak, to living far away from home, getting married, and having children. 　　 　　Along the way: I once thought there was a true friendship built on two interlocking bonds, one that would see us through life and death together; yet I didn’t realize that we would go our separate ways for the sake of future prospects, betray each other for fame and profit, and even fight one another out of suspicion. 　　 　　I once believed in pure love that would endure to the death, a love where one wished to be birds flying side by side in the sky and trees entwined on earth; yet I didn’t realize that people would leave resolutely for a better life, abandon their vows for material gains, and betray love for worldly possessions. 　　 　　Many people gradually came to walk alongside them; among them, how many were those who stayed by their side, caring for them and showing concern? 　　 　　In my youth, I endured countless hardships and suffering; I had no idea that parents truly care for me. I did not understand the sorrow of a mother as described by Han Yu – a mother who cries at the door, clinging to one’s sleeves in desperation. 　　 　　In the past, one did not realize the greatness of the grace of nine months of pregnancy ； The earnest efforts of Mother Meng in choosing her neighbors ； A child who refuses to study – the anger of breaking the loom ； Returning to one’s hometown, shedding tears in reluctance ； Worried and sleepless as the child travels far away ； 　　 　　Yet the unfilial neglect their parents’ care and slacken their limbs ； Loves gambling and drinking ； Good wealth, private wife ； Out of lustful desires, to become a cause of suffering for one’s parents ； There are many who are eager for conflict and risk putting their parents in danger. Yet every parent loves their child. Nor does she complain, nor get angry, nor blame; yet she is always worried about her child, anxious at all times, unhappy day after day, and awake night after night. 　　 　　It was only after parting from those friendships that had faded over time, and from those loves that couldn’t endure together, going through periods of separation and reunion as well as many hardships, and ultimately abandoning one another, that I understood the verse from the scriptures: \"My father gave birth to me; my mother nurtured me, cared for me, raised me, and protected me.\" 　　 　　Who else, apart from parents, can do so without regret? 　　 　　NO.2 　　 　Teaching and Resolving Doubts – A Good Teacher 　　 　On the past: 　　 　“The kindness of a good teacher is truly greater than that of heaven and earth, and far more significant than that of parents.” ”This is what Ge Hong said. During Ge Hong’s time, scholars in ancient times must have a teacher; such teachers were few, with one only encountering three or two throughout their life. This was different from modern times. Although today a teacher is not more important than parents, his role remains greater than that of parents, as the teacher imparts what parents cannot teach and speaks what parents cannot say. Since ancient times, it has been said that \"those who seek knowledge in ancient times must respect their teachers; only when teachers are respected can the teachings be valued.\" What Ouyang Xiu meant was that the sages of ancient times always had strict teachers, and those who pursue knowledge should attach great importance to respecting their teachers, treating them even as parents! As the ancients said: Once a teacher, always a father. 　　 　　Discussion today: “The silkworm spins silk until its death; the candle burns to ashes before its tears dry.” This speaks of a teacher’s selfless dedication without regret ； “\"Fierce in the face of thousands of accusations, yet willing to serve as a humble ox for the scholars\" – these words embody a teacher’s selfless love and dedication. 　　 　　No matter how time passes and eras change, the kindness of teachers endures. Today there are many teachers: kindergarten teachers, elementary school teachers, senior mentors… Though there are many teachers, their kindness remains unchanged. 　　 　　No matter what the teacher is, their role is to impart knowledge, teach skills, and resolve doubts! From the basic strokes of writing to lengthy essays, from those who are just beginning to learn to those who possess extensive knowledge, from those who are at a loss to those entrusted with important responsibilities, there is always a teacher by their side. A teacher’s role is even more important than that of parents, whose responsibility is to raise children. Yet only those who possess moral integrity, wisdom, and physical strength can benefit their country and its people; their role lies in providing guidance through excellent teaching, in patiently instructing them, and in answering their questions. All wise and virtuous people rely on the guidance of good teachers to overcome their difficulties. The duty of a teacher is to strengthen the nation; from this, it can be seen that a teacher’s responsibilities are even greater than those of parents... NO.3 Working together as one – True friends. True friends are not those whom one meets through eating, drinking, or entertainment, nor are they those with whom one forms relationships for power or personal gain. During the Spring and Autumn period, the highly respected Mencius said: \"In human relationships, what is important is to truly know each other; and in knowing each other, what is essential is to have a heartfelt understanding.\" ” 　　 　　As the ancients said, “It doesn’t matter how many friends one has; one person is enough to defeat a hundred.” ； No matter how long it takes, a single day of understanding can enlighten generations; yet true kindred spirits are rare in this world. 　　 　　Everyone is aware of the deep bond between Yu Boya and Ziqi; despite having known each other for only one day, they were separated forever after meeting their true soulmate. One day, Ziqi regarded himself as Boya; he used all the gold he had been given to buy books and study, but eventually exhausted himself from overwork, fell ill, and died. As a friend, he broke his zither for his friend and served his parents. He said, \"The jade zither and the phoenix-tail lute are now broken; with Ziqi no longer here, for whom should I play?\" With the spring breeze, friends are everywhere; yet it’s extremely hard to find a true soulmate. ” 　　 　　Among the sages of ancient times, apart from the profound friendship between Yu Boya and Zhong Ziqi. There are also the close friendships between Lian Po and Lin Xiangru, Chen Chong and Lei Yi; the friendships based on mutual respect between Zhang Yuanbo and Fan Ju; the friendships involving willingness to sacrifice one’s life for another, such as those between Yang Jiaoai and Zuo Botao; the lifelong friendships between Liu Bei and Zhang Fei, as well as Guan Yu; and the friendships across age differences, like those between Kong Rong and Ni Heng... True friends are hard to find; no matter how many there are, having just one such friend is better than having a hundred others ； No matter how long it takes, one day of enlightenment can enlighten all ages. He can be regarded as a teacher; when one’s thoughts are not correct, he is good at guiding them ； For a brother, such matters become one’s own responsibility ； One can discuss matters of the heart, philosophy, heaven, and earth with friends. 　　 　　They are also true friends; they cherish what you love, express what you think, and do what has not been done. If it is a matter of principle, then it is no problem for true friends to go to great lengths for one another