by 歐修梅
The story comes from “Ji Shi” of the Analects of Confucius
Chen Kang inquired of Boyu, “Do you possess any special knowledge?”
Boyu responded, “No. I recall once when my father was standing alone and I passed through the courtyard. He asked, ‘Have you studied the Book of Songs?’ I replied, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Without studying the Book of Songs, one cannot speak with decorum.’ Thus, I withdrew to study the Book of Songs.
On another day, my father was standing alone again, and I passed by the courtyard. He asked, ‘Have you studied propriety?’ I answered, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Without studying propriety, one cannot conduct oneself properly in society.’ So, I withdrew to study propriety. These are the two teachings I received.”
Chen Kang, upon hearing this, was delighted and remarked, “By posing a single query, I have gained three lessons: the significance of the Book of Songs, the importance of propriety, and the fact that a true gentleman refrains from demonstrating favor towards his own offspring.”
Confucius’ son was named Li with a courtesy name of Boyu. One day, Confucius’ disciple Chen Kang asked Boyu, “Have you heard any special teachings from your master (Confucius)?”
Boyu replied, “No. I only remember that once my father (Confucius) was standing in in the hall alone. As I walked by the courtyard, my father asked, ‘Have you studied the Book of Songs?’ I replied, ‘I haven’t.’ My father said, ‘If you don’t study the Book of Songs, you won’t know how to speak properly.’ So I studied the Book of Songs thoroughly.
Later, one day, my father was standing in the hall alone again. When I passed by the courtyard, my father asked, ‘Have you studied propriety?’ I replied, ‘I haven’t.’ My father said, ‘If you don’t study propriety, you won’t know how to interact with others properly in this world.’ So I studied propriety. Those are the two teachings I received privately.”
Chen Kang was pleased upon hearing the reply and said, “By asking one question, I have gained three insights. First, I have come to understand the significance of the Book of Songs. Second, I have learned about the value of propriety. Third, I have realized that a gentleman does not show favoritism to his own children in private.”
This painting depicts Confucius asking his son Kong Li to study the Book of Songs and propriety. Confucius is shown standing on a step beneath the roof, with Kong Li on a lower step. Even though they are father and son, they treated each other with mutual respect.
