Wen Tao: Enlightened Transmission

King Wen lay ill in bed, summoning Tai Gong. Prince Ji Fa stood by his side. King Wen said:
"Alas! Heaven will soon end my life, and the affairs of Zhou’s altars of soil and grain now rest with you. I wish to hear your supreme principles, to pass them clearly to my descendants."

Tai Gong asked:
"What do you seek to know?"

King Wen said:
"Regarding the governance of ancient sages: what should be abolished, and what upheld? Can you explain the principles to me?"

Tai Gong replied:
"Three practices of the ancient sages’ rule must be abolished: neglecting good deeds when seen, hesitating when opportunity arises, and remaining complacent in the face of error. Four principles must be upheld: gentleness paired with tranquility, humility paired with reverence, strength that feigns weakness, and endurance that masks resolve. Thus, when righteousness prevails over desire, the state prospers; when desire overcomes righteousness, the state declines. When reverence surpasses negligence, there is fortune; when negligence outweighs reverence, there is ruin."