{"id":5507,"date":"2025-01-10T13:32:59","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T05:32:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ourtown.tw\/?p=5507"},"modified":"2025-01-13T16:11:09","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T08:11:09","slug":"learning-the-importance-of-the-book-of-songs-and-propriety-in-a-courtyard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ourtown.tw\/en\/culture\/5507\/","title":{"rendered":"Learning the Importance of the Book of Songs and Propriety in a Courtyard"},"content":{"rendered":"
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by \u6b50\u4fee\u6885<\/p>\n

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The story comes from “Ji Shi” of the Analects of Confucius<\/p>\n

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Chen Kang inquired of Boyu, “Do you possess any special knowledge?”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.”<\/p>\n

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.”<\/p>\n

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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)?”<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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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.”<\/p>\n

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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.”<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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