Looking back at the sentient beings struggling in the sea of worldly suffering, from one disaster to another without end, it is no different from the time of Jie and Zhou, when the people had to lament and cry in sorrow, under the harsh rule of those two kings. Because Jie and Zhou were too weak and inept, some people were burned to death, others lost their lives; the foundation and achievements built by the ancestors fell into the hands of others, leaving a reputation for contempt for generations. One sympathizes with the Holy King, a wise and virtuous ruler, who followed the example of Yao and Shun by cultivating himself and establishing virtue, in order to: ‘Build universal harmony across the entire world’ so that humanity may benefit.
NOTE: TÂY BÁ refers to the Marquis of the West. His real name was Ji Xiang, serving King Zhou (from the Shang dynasty). At that time, China was divided into four commanderies held by vassals, each governing 200 smaller states. He was a person of complete talent and virtue, so King Zhou appointed him to govern the western region (Marquis of the West). At that time, King Zhou favored Daji, and following her advice, did things against morality: killed Queen Jiang, and fearing revenge from his father-in-law Jiang Hsi, he followed the counsel of Bi Zhong to summon the four vassal commanderies to the capital to be killed, in order to prevent future calamities.
Extract from the Notes on the Oracles (1975)
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