12. 1 (original) Yan Yuan asked Ren, and Confucius said, "Self-denial is benevolence. A day of self-denial and self-denial, the world will return to benevolence. For benevolence, for yourself, for people? " Yan Yuan said, "What's the purpose?" Confucius said, "see no evil, don't listen to evil, don't say evil, and don't move if you are evil." Yan Yuan said, "Although I am not sensitive, please talk to me."

(Experience) Confucius summed up "benevolence" into four words-"self-denial", which is the core and also the way of practice, specifically "see no evil, don't listen if you are indecent, don't say anything if you are indecent, and don't move if you are indecent". The ultimate goal of the four taboos is to "return the gift", which is in line with the etiquette category, so "return the gift" is the goal, and "benevolence" is self-cultivation, so Confucius emphasized that the process of practice depends entirely on oneself and has nothing to do with external things. Not only that, it is also a long and difficult process, and it needs long-term persistence before the world can return to people.

12.2 (original) Zhong Gong asked Ren, and Confucius said, "Going out to see big guests makes people like big sacrifices. Don't do what you don't want, don't do it in the state, and don't complain at home. " Zhong Gong said, "Yong Min, please talk to me."

(Experience) Zhong Gong asked Confucius "benevolence", and Confucius' answer was very specific, without profound truth. In summary, it was a word "respect". Going out to work is as grand as receiving distinguished guests, which is a respect for work; Treating them is like carrying out a major sacrificial ceremony, which is a respect for the people; No matter where you work (that is, at home and in the country), you never complain. This is respect for your work. "Don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you" is the fundamental compliance and the highest realm of respecting others. Respect is inner cultivation, and so is "benevolence".

12.3 (original) Sima Niu asked Ren, and Confucius said, "Benevolent people are also confused." He said, "His words are also false. Is it enough to say that he is kind? " Confucius said, "Why is it so difficult?"

(Experience) Confucius said "benevolence" to Sima Niu slowly and cautiously. He should teach students in accordance with their aptitude and warn his disciples to be cautious in their words, say less and do more. The dwarf said: Be a giant. Because it is difficult to do, you should be careful what you say.