The Most Venerable Book (Shang Shu): The Classic of Chronicles by Martin Palmer

Author:Martin Palmer [Palmer, Martin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780141970400
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2014-07-03T00:00:00+00:00

19

King Pan Geng, Part II

Pan Geng rose up and with his people crossed the River He, having decided to relocate them. To encourage them to follow him, he decided to speak to them, hoping that they would agree to go with him. They came, having been warned not to cause trouble in the Royal Palace. Addressing them, he said, ‘Pay attention to what I say because I am going to be as clear as possible. Do not fail to listen to what I have decided.

‘Indeed,’ the king said. ‘Long ago there was mutual respect and deep affection between my ancestors and the people, because my ancestors cared deeply for the people. This meant that when troubles came upon them from Heaven, they were able to survive. However, when such troubles came, our kings did not just sit around trying to work out what to do. They were worried about the people, so they took firm action. So how come you have all forgotten this?

‘I have commanded you to move because I want everything to go well for you all. I am not punishing you for some offence. I have commanded you to move to the new capital simply because I am concerned with your well-being and because this will help you live more fully. This move will also help to stabilize the State. But you, you don’t seem to care about the things that afflict my heart and mind. Nor have you told me of what you are worried about, because if such concerns were sincere and honourable they might well influence me – because I am after all a straightforward man. The result of all this is that you end up worried and stressed.

‘Think of this situation like a boat. Unless you’re careful about when you sail, you could end up losing the whole cargo. Currently we are not in agreement and therefore could end up drifting into disaster. What is even worse is that you won’t honestly face this, and you have become so agitated that I cannot see how you ever will! Because you don’t plan for the future – or, to be honest, even for what is about to happen – you simply build up your levels of anxiety and egg each other on to greater levels of stress. You just live for the present with no thought for the future. Living like this, you cannot just hope that help will come in the nick of time from above.

‘It is my intention that you should come to a common mind about this, putting aside evil thoughts that afflict you in both body and mind. I believe that by obeying the Mandate that comes from Heaven, life will be better. Am I acting like a dictator, exerting my influence over you? I only do this because it will be good for you in the long run. Reflecting upon how my illustrious ancestors cared for your ancestors, I feel a responsibility to act in a similar way towards you.

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