Confucian Poem

The Shape of the Mind

Before arising the stirrings of pleasure, anger, sorrow, or joy,
The mind may be said to be in a perfect state of equilibrium.
When those feelings have been stirred,
And they act in their due degree,
There ensues what may be called the state of harmony.
This equilibrium is the great root
From which grow all the human actions in the world,
And this harmony is the universal path
Which they all should pursue.
Let the states of equilibrium and harmony exist in perfection,
And a happy order will prevail throughout the universe,
And all things will be nourished.