The Ancestors’ Eight Admonitions

I. A teacher must not be conveniently available
Not taking the initiative to teach is respect for learning—and also a test of your sincerity.

II. Medicine should not knock at the door
Not seeking treatment proactively is not coldness; it is respect for boundaries and trust.

III. The Way must not be passed on lightly
Real skills are not handed out casually. They are only given to those with upright hearts who are truly willing to learn.

IV. The law must not be sold for cheap
The more inexpensive something is, the less it is treasured—and the easier it is to ruin.

V. Cause and effect cannot be changed
Plant what causes you plant, reap what results you reap—no one can alter the natural order.

VI. The truth cannot be spoken recklessly
Some things are too hurtful to say. Stop where needed, and let people understand it for themselves.

VII. Wisdom cannot be transmitted
Wisdom can’t be taught. You can only understand it through experience—after the pain you’ve suffered and the awakening you’ve had.

VIII. Those without affinity cannot be guided across
A person pretending to sleep can’t be awakened, and someone who doesn’t want to change can’t be brought across. Let things follow their natural course.