Righteousness satisfies my heart

Chinese philosophers say, “Without desire, one will always be content.” Since ancient times, China has had an education in joyfulness. The opening lines of “The Analects” present the heart of the sage. Confucius said: “Is it not a pleasure to learn and apply what one has learned constantly? Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar? Is it not a mark of the noble-minded to be unconcerned about people not appreciating them?” This is the demeanor of the sage. Zhu Xi regarded this as “the gateway to becoming sages and the foundation of accumulating virtue.”

Faced with the difficulties and hardships of life, Confucius said, “To eat coarse food, drink plain water, and to sleep on one’s arms and knees is a pleasure. Wealth and rank attained through unjust means are like floating clouds to me.”

He also praised Yan Hui, saying, “Living in a humble dwelling, facing adversity that others cannot bear, yet Yan does not lose his joy. What a truly virtuous man!” Where does joy lie? It lies in the greatness of the way, in the heart devoted to the way.

Mencius once said: “A gentleman finds joy in three things, excluding being king of the world. The three happy things are: to have parents and siblings alive and healthy, to feel no shame before heaven and no disgrace to the earth, to educate outstanding talents in the world.”

The first joy speaks of benevolence. Chinese people cherish family ties. Parents and siblings are the closest relatives, and one should respect them. The second joy speaks of the wisdom of morality. In Chinese culture, achieving the ultimate good is the ultimate goal. A wise person knows good from evil and chooses good over evil. The third joy lies in education, the most important tradition of Confucianism, to continue the learning of past sages and to bring peace to future generations.

Mencius once said, “Righteousness satisfies my heart.” Benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness symbolize the heart of a gentleman. Each character brings us joy because it is rooted in the heart. Benevolence’s universal love is from a gentle and generous heart. Righteousness’ magnanimity is from a resolute and upright heart. Propriety’s harmony is from a respectful and harmonious heart. Wisdom’s discernment is from a wise and sagacious heart. Trustworthiness’ commitment is from a sincere and trustworthy heart.

Mencius said: “A benevolent person is at one with heaven and earth; in his sincerity, he finds his greatest joy. By forgiving others and acting with benevolence, one seeks the closest proximity to benevolence.” In Chinese culture, the benevolent love people, the respectful honor people, and harmony in family and society is a very joyful thing, just as Mencius said, “Righteousness satisfies my heart, just as food and drink please my mouth.”

(The author is a cultural scholar.)

(Translated by Shenzhen Daily)