In this particular day I shall
interpret a verse from the Analects, namely 2:1. In A
Source Book In Chinese Philosophy, Wing Tsit Chan presents the verse:
“Confucius said, ‘ A ruler who governs his state by virtue is like the
north polar star, which remains in his place while all the other stars revolve
around it.’ ” 1
Firstly, let us discuss the theme of the verse. The theme revolves around the concept of the
“chun tzu” as the Philosopher-King.
Confucius believed that if a ruler uses virtue in governing his people,
then the state will be more effective and be more harmonious. For the ruler gave goodness, it is then
goodness that will come back to him. In
this way that the people follow him and thus make government transactions easy
and effective.
Let us observe this in the first part of the verse.
“A ruler who governs his state by virtue is like the north polar
star.”
In the verse, it can be observed that the ruler is compared to a north
polar star. The direction of the “north”
had always been the image for “uprightness”.
The star, on the other hand, is the typical metaphor for people who have
that quality of being looked upon by others.
Combining these two, it perfectly encapsulates the image that Confucius
wishes to see in a ruler, which is upright and worthy of emulation. Uprightness is seen in virtue, and this is
important when one is a leader. This is
because it is virtue which makes the laws strong. It is in virtue that makes the implementation
of the laws effective. It is in virtue
that a leader is being followed by his subjects. Virtue is necessary, for it shows the
benevolence of the leader. If the leader
is anchored on benevolence then his laws and rules will show it, thus giving
the people a good life and a good government.
This is the reason why such leader must keep his virtue. If he loses this virtue, all the laws and the
notions of order will break down, and be forgotten.
“which remains in his place while all the other stars revolve around
it.”
In this second part, it gives the condition that a ruler needs to be
staunch in his sense of value. He must
not falter. This is because he is the
point of reference of his state. If a
ruler shows virtue in his governance, then surely the people will follow
him. This is because of the sense of
evidence that the people see. It is a
natural tendency for people to seek for someone that confirms a certain virtue
for them to actually do it or apply it in their lives. The ruler must keep this responsibility in
mind.
Achieving social harmony is not an easy task. It starts from the leader who organizes and
governs his people. This is because it
is the leader who is the reference of the people in the actuation of
values. It is in this sense that the
leader must be staunch in his values.
This is because it is in these values that he becomes credible and
effective. It is in this way that the
people are moved, making them be effective citizens of the state. It is in this sense that a ruler can be a
noble man. Being rooted in goodness and
unselfishness, he sees more than himself.
He sees the bigger scheme of things, and reflects on the possible
actions that will promote unity and not disrupt it. He does not concern himself with material
pursuits, and instead busies himself with the matters of cultivating his
virtues. It is in this self-cultivation
that a ruler is able to solidify his benevolent purpose in whatever he does,
whether it will be in terms of politics or individual life.
It is in the principle of influence and emulation by the leader that
social harmony is achieved. Each member of the community whether ruler or citizen,
should prioritize and practice virtue as a way of living.
Prioritizing virtue and practicing it
breeds goodness and unity.
Source:
1.
Wing Tsit Chan, “The Humanism of Confucius”, (United States: Princeton
University Press, 1963), In A
Source Book In Chinese Philosophy, 22
No comments:
Post a Comment