| | In the past, under the highest principles of governance, those above and below shared a single virtue to demonstrate heavenly blessings; this was the way of loyalty. The Way of loyalty is in harmony with Heaven. In the time of supreme principles, when ruler and ministers shared the same virtue, then auspicious energies would respond accordingly. Heaven's coverage, Earth's bearing, and humanity's footsteps—none is greater than loyalty. Between Heaven's covering and Earth's bearing lies the essence of human relationships; to follow it brings good fortune, while to violate it brings misfortune. Nothing is greater than loyalty in this regard. Loyalty means centrality; it signifies the utmost impartiality and absence of self-interest. If one does not rectify their heart but acts with private interests in matters, then they are acting contrary to loyalty. Heaven is impartial; thus the four seasons proceed in order. Earth is impartial; therefore, all things come to life. A person without private interests achieves great success and uprightness. The four seasons operate widely; Heaven does not favor any virtue in particular. All things flourish and live; Earth does not favor any power in particular. If a person can attain the utmost impartiality, without private interests for oneself, where could they go that would be inappropriate? Loyalty means to unify one's heart. Unity is loyalty; division leads to deviation. The foundation of the state—what could be more essential than loyalty! There has never been a case where one abandoned loyalty and yet succeeded in their endeavors. Loyalty can consolidate the relationship between ruler and minister, stabilize the state, move Heaven and Earth, and stir gods and spirits—how much more so among people? When the bond between ruler and minister is firm, its meaning is profound. When the state is at peace, its mandate endures long. When Heaven and Earth are moved, it is because sincerity has reached them. When gods and spirits are stirred, their response becomes evident. The function of loyalty produces effects just like this. This is why people find it easy to follow. Loyalty begins in the individual, becomes evident in the family, and achieves success in the state; its practice is unified throughout. Though the self, family, and state may have different names, their embodiment of loyalty remains consistent in action. Therefore, unity within oneself is the beginning of loyalty. Unity within one's family is the development of loyalty. Unity with one's state is the culmination of loyalty. The Way progresses gradually; this is the greatness of loyalty. When one's self is unified, a hundred blessings arrive. Establishing oneself upon unity is the foundation of wealth and honor. When a family is unified, the six relatives are harmonious. Managing a family without division naturally leads to sincerity and harmony. When the state is unified, ten thousand people are well governed. When all under Heaven share a single heart, none will fail to follow transformation and order. The Book of Documents says: "Only precision and unity—truly holding the central path." Precision, unity, and adherence to the center are the meaning of loyalty.
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