Welcoming Those Who Come

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

When Mencius went to Teng, he lodged at the Upper Palace. An unfinished pair of straw sandals had been left on a window ledge, but the lodging staff could not find them.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Someone asked, “Could the attendants really have hidden them?”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius asked, “Do you think they came here intending to steal shoes?”

Original Chinese text

English translation

The man replied, “Probably not. Your teaching is open: you do not pursue those who have left, and you do not reject those who come. If they arrive with a sincere wish to learn, you receive them.”

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