The Super Power of Mencius: Upright Integrity 1 浩然之氣

An unseen strength that holds everything steady

Mencius once said, “I have learned to nurture the upright integrity within me.” 《孟子·告子上》 「我善養吾浩然之氣。」

For reasons I can’t fully explain, I love reading this line aloud. The rhythm and the words stir something in me. Not because I fully understand it but because it feels familiar.

What draws me to this teaching is its simplicity. Mencius seems to be pointing us back to something already here, gently reminding us not to turn away from it. When I read his words, it feels more like him sharing his own practice—the practice that truly matters and the practice makes life worth living.

What is upright within us feels like a moral center. It is not distant or abstract. It shows itself in everyday moments. When my actions line up with it, there is a natural sense of ease and quiet steadiness. When I act from self-interest or make a small compromise, something feels off. Not in a dramatic way—just enough to notice.

This feeling does not seem to be guilt or shame. It does not carry harsh self-blame or inner punishment. The kind of shame many of us know is loud and full of stories about what is wrong with us. What I am noticing here is much quieter. It feels more like a simple signal—a sense of alignment when something is right, or a gentle discomfort when I have stepped a little away from it.

It also feels different from being judged by others. Other people’s judgments come from the outside and change with opinion, culture, and circumstance. This sense of uprightness is not about being seen as good or earning approval. It does not depend on praise or blame. It can still be felt when no one else is watching. Sometimes others may approve while something inside feels unsettled. Other times, we may be misunderstood or criticized while inwardly feeling clear and at peace.

What reassures me is that Mencius is not alone in naming this.

Buddhism speaks of the same inner ground when it talks about Buddha-nature. In the Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra, Buddha-nature is described in a way that feels deeply familiar:

“Buddha-nature is empty of impurity, but complete in virtue.” 佛性空者，空於諸染；非空於德《大般涅槃經》

This reminds me that nothing needs to be added. What matters is not covering over what is already clear.

Daoism points in the same direction. In the Dao De Jing, it offers a quiet image that feels close to this truth:

“When we do not lose our virtue, we return to a basic, untouched state.” 常德不離，復歸於嬰兒《道德經》

Again, the emphasis is not on becoming better or gaining something new. It is on not leaving what is already intact.

Seen this way, Mencius’ teaching does not feel distant or grand. It feels grounded and shared across traditions and everyday life. It shows up in small moments that are easy to overlook. Over time, staying aligned with it seems to create a quiet strength—not something dramatic, just a steadiness that comes from acting in line with what we know is right.

This is why I find myself drawn to Mencius’ words. They feel like a gentle invitation to stop betraying what is upright within us and to let quiet strength unfold on its own.

The next blog will explains how to nurture the upright integrity within us.

Here is the video of the line and a brief explanation: