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Having endured centuries of feudal rule, Chinese culture and Confucianism have profoundly shaped the lives of the Vietnamese people. The term 'tam cương ngũ thường' may not be entirely unfamiliar, yet our understanding of it often remains elusive or entirely incomprehensible. Therefore, within the scope of this article, we shall delve into the exploration of Tam Cương Ngũ Thường.
In a society where women adhere to the virtues of Tam Tòng Tứ Đức, men also adhere to the standards of Tam Cương Ngũ Thường, as prescribed by Confucius. Maintaining these standards results in a peaceful and happy society.
1. Decoding Tam Cương
'Cương' translates to 'anchor'. In the realm of fishing, it signifies the anchor point of the fishing net, connecting threads to enhance stability. Grasping the 'cương' allows one to comprehend the entire network, serving as the primary anchor linking relationships in life's tapestry. It governs dominant relationships, orchestrating other connections.
Thus, 'tam cương' represents three primary societal anchors, including:
- Imperial Anchorage: The relationship between ruler and subject
- Father-Son Anchorage: The bond between father and son
- Spousal Anchorage: The relationship between husband and wife
According to the Triple Relationship Canon, the ruler-subject bond's essence lies in righteousness. The father-son relationship is rooted in affection, while marital harmony centers on consensus. Superiors (ruler, father, husband) bear the responsibility of caring for those below (subject, son, wife). Conversely, those below must respect, love, obey, and show filial piety to those above.
2. Deciphering 'Ngũ Thường'
'Ngũ' represents five, and 'thường' signifies the common occurrences in human life. Thus, 'ngũ thường' encapsulates the five common principles shaping human morality. The five virtues that an individual should possess and uphold are:
- Compassion: Cultivate a loving heart towards all living beings. Before achieving success, one must learn how to be humane.
- Ritual: Derived from ceremonial propriety, it dictates that individuals should demonstrate respect and courtesy in their interactions with others.
- Righteousness: Rooted in moral integrity, it emphasizes fairness and justice. Treat others with fairness, following principles and reason.
- Wisdom: Within intellectual prowess, it represents insight and transparency. Understand logic, distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong.
- Trust: Involves trust, faith, and reliability. Keep promises, be trustworthy, and maintain integrity.
'Tam cương ngũ thường' revolves around the treatment between superiors and inferiors, fostering love for all creatures. Interactions with others should be just, principled, respectful, and harmonious. One must discern right from wrong, keep promises made to others, and act with integrity.
Here is the comprehensive knowledge on Tam Cương Ngũ Thường curated and summarized by Mytour to share with you. It is hoped that through this article, you will gain a deeper understanding of this intriguing yet familiar standard.
