《Caigentan The Former Collection # 52》 Merits & Faults, Kindness & Resentment

[042] Forget Merits, Remember Faults; Remember Kindness, Release Resentment

📜 Original Text

我有功於人不可念,而過則不可不念;
人有恩於我不可忘,而怨則不可不忘。

📚 English Translation

If I have rendered a service to others, I should not dwell on it;
but my own faults, I must engrave upon my heart and never forget.
Kindness received from others should never be forgotten;
but resentment towards others must truly be let go.

✍️ Hanja Breakdown

我 (wǒ): I, myself.
有 (yǒu): To have, to possess.
功 (gōng): Merit, achievement, service, an act beneficial to others.
於 (yú): To, at, for, towards (a preposition).
人 (rén): Person, others.
有功於人 (yǒugōng yú rén): To render service to others.
不 (bù): Not.
可 (kě): Can, may, suitable.
不可 (bùkě): Cannot, must not, should not.
念 (niàn): To think of, to dwell on, to remember.
不可念 (bùkěniàn): Must not dwell on, should not be remembered.
我有功於人不可念 (wǒ yǒu gōng yú rén bùkěniàn): If I have rendered service to others, I should not dwell on it.
而 (ér): But, and, yet (a conjunction).
過 (guò): Fault, mistake, error.
則 (zé): Then, in that case, (indicating consequence).
不可不念 (bùkěbùniàn): Cannot but remember, must remember, must engrave upon the heart (double negative).
恩 (ēn): Grace, favor, kindness, benevolence.
有恩於我 (yǒu'ēn yú wǒ): Others have shown kindness to me.
忘 (wàng): To forget.
不可忘 (bùkěwàng): Cannot forget, must not forget.
人有恩於我不可忘 (rén yǒu ēn yú wǒ bùkěwàng): Kindness received from others must not be forgotten.
怨 (yuàn): Resentment, grudge, hatred.
不可不忘 (bùkěbùwàng): Cannot but forget, must forget (double negative).
怨則不可不忘 (yuàn zé bùkěbùwàng): Resentment must be forgotten.

🔍 Commentary: Forget Merits, Engrave Faults; Remember Kindness, Release Resentment

Caigentan Chapter 52 offers profound guidance on how we should carry and discard our 'merits (功) and faults (過)'—those we commit—and the 'kindness (恩) and resentment (怨)'—those we receive from others. This is a crucial wisdom for a truly noble person (君子) to maintain inner peace and harmonious relationships.


1️⃣ How to Deal with Our Own Actions...

1.1. Forget Your Merits (功)

True merit remains pure only when rendered without expecting repayment or recognition. If one dwells on their good deeds, it can quickly transform into arrogance or a desire for external validation, corrupting the purity of the original act.

If you help others and achieve merit, but then boast about it or secretly hope for reciprocation, people may feel burdened or even resentful. True merit is for others, and one should find satisfaction in the act itself, regardless of whether others acknowledge it.


1.2. Engrave Your Faults (過)

Conversely, one's own faults (過) must be deeply etched into the heart and never forgotten. Without continuously reflecting on and striving to correct one's mistakes, true growth is impossible. By constantly recalling and examining one's past errors, one avoids repeating them and cultivates genuine humility.


2️⃣ How to Deal with Others' Actions Towards Us...

2.1. Never Forget Kindness (恩)

Kindness received (恩) must never be forgotten. Remembering kindness cultivates a grateful heart, strengthens human relationships, and forms the foundation of societal virtues.
Even small acts of kindness or assistance should be cherished, and one should seek opportunities to reciprocate. Those who remember kindness attract more trust and positive connections.


2.2. Release Resentment (怨)

Resentment (怨) is like a poison; if harbored in the heart, it sickens oneself, destroys relationships, and erodes inner peace.
Releasing resentment means not just forgiving the other person but liberating oneself from the chains of hatred and anger—a truly wise act.

🌱 Conclusion: The Wisdom of Self-Preservation

The teachings of Caigentan, though seemingly for others, ultimately guide us to protect ourselves.

Not dwelling on the merits we render to others is to avoid falling into arrogance.

Not forgetting our own faults is to live as a better version of ourselves.

Engraving others' kindness in our hearts is to keep our own hearts warm.

And releasing resentment is to liberate ourselves from the shackles of hatred and anger, gaining peace.

The wisdom of Caigentan ultimately illuminates the path to protecting oneself and living a fulfilling life.