Mr. Zong Xuan's Theory of Profound Outlines: Mortal Is Chapter 18
What the Dao most abhors is lust, killing, and secret treachery. These are indeed easy to avoid. As for minor joys and angers, judgments of right and wrong, these are common human emotions, making it very difficult to be cautious. One should not allow even the slightest matter to disturb the heart; when thoughts are calm and spirit at ease, evil influences cannot enter. When one's will is undisturbed, one becomes a companion of the True Person. Those who love praise and hate criticism are not exempt among the virtuous and wise. However, if one examines oneself and finds no virtue yet receives praise, this is inauspicious. If one reflects on one's conduct and finds no flaw yet receives slander, what harm does it do? By this reasoning, gain and loss depend on oneself, not on anything else. Therefore, one who remains composed, forgets emotions, and is unmoved by beauty or ugliness is a Supreme Person, a Supreme Person.
Explanation: For practitioners of the Dao, the most taboo things are lust, killing, and secret treachery, which are easy to abstain from. But minor joys and angers, and judgments of right and wrong regarding things, are common human emotions, making them hard to prevent. In such situations, one should not care about trivial matters; keeping thoughts calm and spirit at ease allows evil influences to be kept out. Only then can one's will remain undisturbed, enabling one to become like a True Person. Furthermore, those who love fame and dislike being attacked are not exempt among the virtuous and wise. But one must examine oneself: if one has no merit yet receives praise, this is an inauspicious sign. If one strives and does nothing wrong yet is slandered, what impact does it have on oneself? Thus, gain and loss depend on oneself, not on others. Therefore, one who remains composed, indifferent to both praise and blame, is truly a Supreme Person.
Analysis: This passage specifically addresses methods of handling affairs in daily life. In general, under any circumstances, one should strive for calm thoughts and an at-ease spirit to nourish the spirit. When encountering external praise or criticism, one should disregard them. If one has done well, others' negative comments have no impact on you. If one has done poorly yet receives praise, this is inauspicious, implying you may never improve. Thus, what truly matters is oneself. If one has done well, there is no need to worry, because the goal of cultivation is to make the spirit and qi peaceful, strong, and vigorous. This is the ultimate purpose; other matters do not require distraction.