The number eight is very important to the Chinese and the Eight Virtues explain why when a person follows the Eight Virtues, they will be very lucky. The pronunciations of “eight” and “prosperity” in Chinese are almost the same and traditionally for spiritual Chinese, they are connected with the eight virtues. Coincidentally, the Eight Virtues are also closely linked to the teachings of Buddhism in its Straight Eightfold Paths. The 8 Virtues follow the rank of importance below:

1]Filial Piety – Filial piety is the most important virtue among the eight virtues and is the origin of all good works. Without filial piety, it is like a rootless tree, or water without origin. Charity begins at home and this is true. If a person can’t be nice to her parents, chances are all the other nice things he does aren’t real or have ulterior motives. Tao devotees are always asked if they have the filial heart of “Zeng-Zi” (a disciple of Confucius, renowned for his filial piety. Zeng-Zi is one of the four Confucian saints and the author of the Confucian classic Da-Xue ‘The Great Learning’ around 500 BC).

2]Fraternity – It is the kind of care and concern found between brothers. They grew up under the same roof and have been through many experiences together, be it hardship or happiness. Therefore, the siblings are closely related just like our hands and legs. The older being generous and indulgent, the younger being persevering, then there will be brotherly love and the family will then be harmonious and prosperous.

3]Loyalty – When we perform any task, we must be truthful and sincere. The task must be rational and legal. We must do our best to complete the task and be impartial. There should be no false statements when we report or speak. Being fair, we are not afraid that people will see what we are doing. We do not do anything shameful to be upright and honorable. We are said to be loyal when we are able to face God or Deities, country and society, parents and spouse with a guilt-free conscience.

4]Trust: The word “trust” means having faith in the words or character of another person. The success or failure of a business or career is also based on trust. There is a saying: “A word once spoken cannot be taken back.” This means that what is said cannot be undone. If we want to earn trust and respect, we must keep our promise to others and be serious in carrying out our duties. There must also be unity between word and action. With these, then trust will prevail.

5]Etiquette – It is the manifestation of a refined and courteous mannerism. If we are rude, we are demeaning ourselves and also lose the respect of others. Our status and personality can be expressed through courtesy. He who is courteous is more likely to be modest and upright, being courteous to the older and benevolent to the younger. If we treat others with courtesy, others will treat us in the same way. We will not do anything that offends public decency. Confucius said: “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil and do no evil.” By observing these Four Don’ts, etiquette will prevail. Without her, this world will be in total disarray. Therefore, we must be conscientious in our conduct and, at the same time, show respect and love for others. In this way we will have a healthy and healthy character.

6]Righteousness – It is the act of being just and upright. In whatever we do, our actions must always be in accordance with our conscience. Although there are temptations all around us, we must remain firm in our principles. Anything desired must be obtained through the right course. If we unscrupulously gain wealth by harming others to benefit ourselves, sooner or later retribution will come. Thus, a superior man does not crave ill-gotten riches, but he is generous in helping the needy and relieving the afflicted. He will not only be respected by the people, but he will also honor his ancestors and set a good example for his descendants.

7]Integrity – Means being pure and upright in our actions. A person with integrity has no selfish desires or bad thoughts. He doesn’t do things that go against his conscience. He is honest with friends and is a responsible person. When it comes to money, he is conscientious and meticulous. He does not indulge in sensual pleasures and is a gentleman of integrity. Therefore, to maintain integrity, we must exercise greater self-discipline.

8]Shame – Everyone has a feeling of shame. A person who understands shame will be honest and fair in their undertakings. If a person does not know about shame, he most likely does not have a righteous mind and actions. We have to be conscious in our speech, action and thoughts to refrain from depravity. We should avoid doing things that might arouse suspicion, thus creating disgrace and shame and ultimately ruining the family’s reputation.

Our thoughts are the seed of good or bad fortune; then we must rectify them according to the Eight Virtues if they are wrong. If we lose our humanity, we are really no better than animals. Filial piety and brotherhood are the foundation of humanity, and cultivators must practice them first. If we are filial and obedient, the deities and people around us will respect us. God and the Saints will be happy when the other virtues are practiced and there is no evil or crime.

On the first virtue, my Heavenly Master JiGong said, “When a mother raises a son or a daughter, she would never consider what the child can give her in the future before offering her care. Since she has given birth to it, she only She knows how to love and care for him, she is also clear that he may disappoint her when she grows up, but she still misses and cares for him, to the point of assuming her guilt and dying for him without resentment and without regret: this is the heart of a mother , and this is exactly the heart of the Buddha.”

Author: T. A. Chew