As we travel on the path of cultivation, we are trying to improve ourselves to become a better person. We begin this journey with four lessons: building character is the first step of cultivation; then strive to accumulate merits and nurture virtue; take the time and persevere to manifest the True Nature; follow the example of the sages with erudition and propriety. These four lessons serve as foundation for practicing Tao. We will study and discuss these lessons in more detail.