Beyond Reward And Punishment!

Add as a preferred source on Google

Po Ch'eng served as the governor during the rule of King Yao. He continued to serve as the governor when King Yao passed away and his son took over. However the son died early and the kingdom was passed over to his grandson.

Po Ch'eng however resigned from is post when the grandson of Yao, Yu ascended the throne, to become a farmer.

Yu, aware of the fact that he was an efficient governor, in view of getting Po Ch'eng back to his court, went to meet him.

Yu bowed low to Po Ch'eng while he was engaged in farm work.

He asked, “Sir you were an able governor when my grandfather ruled. Why have you stooped down to toil in the farm, leaving behind a dignified life?"

Po Ch'eng replied, “When you grandfather ruled people were spontaneously and naturally good without any rewards. They urged one another to be good without the slightest expectation of a reward. They also refrained from doing evil every naturally without the fear of punishment. But you have now introduced rewards and punishments, despite which people do not behave properly. From now on virtue will degenerate following disorders in the future. Why don't you, Your Majesty leave without interrupting my work any further!"

Po Ch'eng began to plow without glancing back!

Rewards and punishments do not go a long way in maintaining goodness. Goodness that is natural and spontaneous is what will prevail and flourish. Such goodness is a result of a mind turned inwards, which recognises the true nature of oneness in diversity.