Abundant Merit Brings Solidity; Scant Merit Leads to Frivolity

Before planting seeds, it is necessary to soak them for a period of time before sowing them into the soil. Seeds that are pre-soaked with water germinate more quickly once buried in the earth.

During the soaking process, a layer of seeds will float on the surface of the water. These are immature, unfilled seeds that cannot sprout or grow into crops—empty husks unfit for use as seed. Therefore, the seeds floating on the water’s surface must be removed and filtered out, leaving only the solid, heavy seeds to be planted. What does this metaphor signify?

A living person jumping into the sea may be submerged and drowned by the ocean, while a dead body in the sea will be buoyed up by the water and float on the surface. What does this metaphor signify?

In autumn, in the sorghum field, the mature sorghum grains are plump and heavy, weighing down the stalks until they bow low, even bending the stems. In contrast, the immature sorghum stands tall and straight, swaying and flaunting itself proudly in the wind. What does this metaphor signify?

Those with insufficient merit cannot restrain their impulsive habits; lacking merit, they cannot suppress anything—afflictions and habitual tendencies will inevitably surface. Why pretend to understand and insist on directing others? Why are there so many frivolous words spoken each day? Substantial individuals never indulge in excessive speech.