The 5 Constant Virtues

Despite over thousands of years, these virtues are still recognized and valued to the development of
human civilization. They are widely acknowledged as Chinese Traditional Virtues.

In the past, the Chinese cultivate and monitor according to the 5 Constant Virtues. These 5 virtues help to
tame our human hearts and overcome our mundane nature. They also are pathways toward Enlightenment.

During Confucius time; these were not only established as “Standards for being a human” but also for all
would be governors/leaders.

From our Tao cultivation perspective; to attain “Heaven’s Tao”, we must practice “human’s Tao” i.e.
practicing moral principles and ethics. 5 Virtues are the essence of the human being and endowed by
Heaven.

The five virtues are described as being “constant” because they are unchanging truth regardless of time
and place. These virtues do not change whether we live in peaceful or chaotic world. It is constant because
everyone has a conscience within each of us. This conscience is the Tao within us. It is our Buddha
Nature. When our conscience is manifested, the Five Constant Virtues are naturally expressed. Hence all
people have the capacity to be good/humaneness because all people are intrinsically good. When man can
act according to the principle of Heaven; they become one with it

However, these manifestations should not be superficial, pretentious and/or done with reluctance; it
should be in a natural manner.

In Buddha’s teaching, they are the equivalent of the five precepts

Five Constants = Five Precepts

§ Benevolence = Do not kill
§ Righteousness / Justice = Do not steal
§ Propriety = Be chaste
§ Wisdom = Do not drink Alcohol or do drugs
§ Faith/Trust/Sincerity = Do not tell lies

18th matriarch’s merciful words on Five Constant Virtues:

We should follow the examples of Holy Teacher Ji-Gong’s selfless heart, fair heart, and heavenly heart
to handle all affairs, which is not to use authority for personal gain. If we committed such act, we are
being disrespectful to our Teacher, then how can we have a heart of respectfulness for our Teacher and
value the preciousness of Tao? We must not build our happiness on top of other people’s suffering;
harming others is harming ourselves. From the Four Books of Analects: “do not do to others what you
would not have them do to you.”

1. BENEVOLENCE
Benevolence is the first & most important virtue among the 5 constants. It manifests itself in the inner
mind in love and compassion for the people and in avoiding harm or envy toward anyone.

This is the ability for us to feel for others and be considerate of others; to be tolerant, have sympathy
and empathy, and to be able to forgive. The word many meanings; compassion, selflessness, love,
kindness and humaneness.

In the inner mind, It manifests Itself in love and compassion for people and in avoiding harm or envy
towards others. In terms of behavior, benevolence demands that one be amiable, no dispute with
others nor do evil deeds.
This Virtue is based upon harmony with other people; care toward others and a deep empathy for
others; the benevolent person spares no effort to help others; one even lays down one’s life to this
end, with no thought of being repaid. e.g. normal adult's protective feelings for children

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2. RIGHTEOUSNESS / Justice- Duties and Obligations
ighteousness in contrast to benevolence involves thinking and acting from one’s own viewpoint. It
demands rational action, self-restraint to resist temptation and the determination to do one’s duty.
Above all, righteousness is about preserving one’s integrity.

Righteousness refers to justice and correctness; i.e. has the ability to recognize what is right and good
and what is the right thing to do. Look at the big picture (totality) and the ability to apply a virtue
properly and appropriately in a situation

It is about preserving one’s integrity. It demands rational action, self-restraint to resist temptation and
the courage to do one’s duty. Live with clear conscience, be a straight person (uncorrupt), selfless and
dedicated/loyalty in carrying out one’s duties.

3. PROPRIETY- Proper Etiquette, courtesy, rituals

Propriety is to do what is proper and appropriate. It is the demand of respect and modest courtesy to
others. It covers all aspects of human conduct etiquettes (courtesy and good mannerism) and extends
to the complex system of rites and customs binding everyday behaviour. Ceremony is a prominent
part of the virtue of propriety.

Propriety stresses modesty and prudence. It is about respecting laws and preventing misconduct. It is
seen in humbling one's self and giving honour to others. Pride should not be allowed to grow
(humility) & pleasure should not be carried to excess.

Our status and personality can be expressed through politeness. He who is polite will more likely be
modest and upright, being courteous to the elders and benevolent to the youngster. We shall not do
anything that offend public decency.

4. WISDOM
Wisdom is the innate awareness by which one judge right and wrong, good and evil. True wisdom
comes from our Buddha Nature. This is necessary in the practice of morality; otherwise one cannot
become a person of virtue.
Confucius remarked: The wise are free from perplexities.'
Emphasis on the act of knowing. Rather than being a static body of knowledge, it is a process of
experiencing. Wisdom is part of the growing maturation of the individual experience. Wisdom
requires that one to know oneself and be resourceful.

5. FAITH / TRUST/ SINCERITY

Faith is the center of all 5 virtues. With faith/trust/sincerity the other four virtues will be manifested.
Faith is having confidence. In other words, externally our deeds should match our words and
internally our words and our mind should be the same.

This virtue encompasses trust, faithfulness, honesty, integrity, sincerity and credibility.
Keeping one word; action and words must be aligning to each other and can be trusted with
responsibility. We must be committed and dedicated in performing our duties, sincere in all our
relationships and concern for others.

Integrity means to be pure and upright in our actions. We do not have selfish desires and evil thoughts
nor do things against his conscience. When dealing with money, he is conscientious and meticulous.
Thus, to uphold integrity, we need to exercise greater self-discipline.

In today’s society, the 5 Constant Virtues have profound significance. Though the modern state is
administered mainly by law, law only restrains people; it cannot teach man, especially it cannot
perfect one’s mind. Therefore, the 5 Constant Virtues can be used as a supplement to law. All human
beings have an inherent Conscience within us.