Friday

13. EXPANDING IDENTIFICATION

There is alarm in both favor and disgrace.
Esteem and fear are identified with the self.

What is the meaning of "alarm in both favor and disgrace?"
Favor ascends; disgrace descends.
To attain them brings alarm.
To lose them brings alarm.
That is the meaning of "alarm in both favor and disgrace."

What is the meaning of "esteem and fear are identified with the self?"
The reason for our fear
Is the presence of our self.
When we are selfless,
What is there to fear?

Therefore those who esteem the world as self
Will be committed to the world.
Those who love the world as self
Will be entrusted with the world.