The words on the poster behind everyone is called Living in a Grateful world.
感激伤害你的人Be grateful to those who have hurt or harmed you
因为他磨练了你的心志for they have reinforced your determination
感激欺骗你的人Be grateful to those who have deceived you
因为他增进了你的见识for they have deepened your insight
In fact our school demands a lot from all its students, often lending everyone to a state of busyness and feeling of overwork. Several weeks before, I had spoken with another student, Hankey, regarding his feeling of discouragement with his study and the many tasks assigned to him by the school. On occasion, Hankey and I seem to argue; I think always it stems from misunderstanding. I was trying to encourage him about his new responsibilities because they can teach him to be independent; he agreed, but then remarked, sometimes to have Ah Q Spirit can also be useful.
For several months, I didn’t puzzle together what Hankey meant. In Lu Xun’s famous short story, Ah Q represents the root of
Yet denial can be strong medicine: though we get our heads knocked against walls repeatedly, and change is nowhere to be found, yet we persist, unable or unwilling to stop.
It seems so many of us in CP have caught this Ah Q spirit. Although our school faces many problems, we try to look the other way, and keep pushing on to our peril, as in the Chinese idiom, “yan er dao ling”. The wisest action may be to stop and perhaps in that way, learn from our mistakes.
In the top picture, we say a toast for One’s birthday. But we may as well be saying a toast “Long Live Ah Q!” or “In fond memory of Ah Q!”
One is cheerleader, monitor, organizer and for his class. He wants to resolve their problems and often has the most responsibility for their affairs and activities.
Two has gone through many trials in seeking a new job. Four jobs in two months. Some might consider this persistence as honorable; but ultimately it is exhausting and very tenuous.
Three has worked in the school many years because of a love and passion for the students. But three has found working in the school has left her feeling unappreciated, overworked, and limited with regard to future options.
Four is a star, but a sympathetic one. So, many responsibilities and affairs have fallen to her.
And then me. Originally on this night, we had gathered to watch the airing of a TV interview of Colin and myself on Expat Chat. Actually, it didn’t show that night, so we wondered if we’d been cancelled. We learned later, we had been postponed for another week. A minor setback, but I think representative of my own less-than-satisfactory performance. At school as well, I find my work is slow, my teaching uninspiring. Are the signs clearly telling me teaching is not my place?
The words on the wall can also be construed as a form of Ah Q Spirit, a way of winning mental victories over others. Then, is there any difference between Ah Q and all of us? I’d like to say the difference is awareness. The one who practices the words here appreciates the existence of the difficulties they face. They deny their failure, because they believe there is something greater they must accomplish. They perceive that obstacles and frustrations can always serve as opportunities for improvement and greater awareness. Ah Q is not aware, and doesn’t accept. He only denies and then lives in confusion.
There is usefulness in Ah Q’s doggedness, but this should be tempered with learning and consideration. Then we can truly win. We will win lessons and learning for ourselves and benefit for those we care for.
现代生活十则
Ten Principles for Modern Life.
嘴巴甜一点 Speak more graciously
脑筋活一点 Think more clearly
行动快一点 Act more quickly
效率高一点 Be more efficient
理由少一点 Give fewer excuses
做事多一点 Do more work
度量大一点 Be more upright
脾气小一点 Be less ill-tempered 说话轻一点 Speak more gently 微笑露一点 Be more cheerful
生活在感恩的世界
Living in a Grateful world.
感激伤害你的人Be grateful to those who have hurt or harmed you
因为他磨练了你的心志for they have reinforced your determination
感激欺骗你的人Be grateful to those who have deceived you
因为他增进了你的见识for they have deepened your insight
感激鞭打你的人Be grateful to those who have hit you
因为他消除了你的业障for they have reduced your karmic obstacles
感激遗弃你的人Be grateful to those who have abandoned you
因为他教导了你应自立for they have taught you to be independent
感激绊倒你的人Be grateful to those who have made you stumble you
因为他强化了你的能力for they have strengthened your ability
感激斥责你的人Be grateful to those who have denounced you
因为他助长了你的定慧for they have contributed to your concentration and wisdom
感激所有使你坚定成熟的人Be grateful to those who made you Firm and Resolute
