When we see wealth, we should not be greedy
for it.(臨財毋茍得)
In Chinese Confucianism, there is a classic
book called the 'Book of Rites'.
It records the rules and regulations of the
ancient Zhou dynasty in China in detail. It describes the etiquette and norms
that people of every social class should abide by.
The Zhou dynasty was the last feudal
hereditary dynasty in Chinese history and the longest-lasting. It began in 1046
BC and ended in 256 BC.
One chapter of the Book of Rites records
personal life norms applicable to both nobles and civilians.
These norms have influenced Chinese society
for over 3,000 years.
One of the passages is as follows:
'We should get closer to those who are
better than us in terms of character and talent.We should respect, love and be
in awe of these people.
Regarding those we love who are close to
us, we must recognise their strengths and shortcomings.
Conversely, for those we dislike who are
not close to us, we must recognise their strengths as well as their
shortcomings.
If we have the ability to accumulate
wealth, we should learn to give to others and help those who are weak and in
need.
Even when we are living a stable life, we
must stay alert. If we find that our comfortable lifestyle is harmful, we must
leave the environment as soon as possible.
When we see property, we should not be
greedy.
When we encounter difficulties, we should
not avoid them with an escapist mentality.
We should not argue with others over some
trivial matters, and we should not always want to defeat others.
If we have the opportunity to distribute
some resources, we should be fair.
When faced with uncertainty, do not allow
yourself to become too biased towards any particular possibility.
When expressing your own opinions, don't
fixate on what you know.
This idiom means that when we see wealth,
we should not be greedy.
Dear friends, what thoughts or inspiration
have you gained from listening to this story?
Do you donate or give alms? If your family
members make mistakes, will you be biased towards them or point out their
mistakes fairly?
I hope this story brings you new insights.
臨財毋茍得(When we see wealth, we should not be
greedy for it.)
中國的儒家有一本經典的書籍，這本書的名字是(禮記)。
這本書中詳細地記載了中國古代的周王朝的典章制度，在這本書中紀錄了生活在這個社會的每個階層的人應該遵守的禮儀與規範。
周王朝是中國歷史上最後一個封建世襲的王朝，周王朝也是中國歷史上延續時間最久的王朝。周王朝開始於西元前1046年、結束於西元前256年。
禮記這本書中有一章，這一中記載了一些個人的生活規範，這些生活規範適用於貴族也適用於平民。
這些生活規範已經影響了中國人超過3000年。
其中有一段記載如下。
我們要多親近那些那些品德與才能都勝過自己的人。
我們要尊重這些人，我們要敬愛這些人，我們要敬畏這些人。
對於那些與我們很親近的我們所愛的人，我們除了看到他們的優點之外，我們也要清楚的正視他們的缺點。
對於那些與我們不親近的我們所厭惡的人，我們除了看到他們的缺點之外，我們也要清楚的正視他們的優點。
我們如果有能力積累財富，我們要學會施捨給別人，我們應該要幫助那些弱小的需要幫助的人。
當我們過著安穩的生活時，我們要保持警醒，當我們發現目前的安逸生活的狀態可能對我們有害時，我們就要盡快離開當下的環境。
看到財物時，我們不要貪心的想要得到這些財物。
遇到困難時，我們不要用逃避的心態去規避這些困難。
我們不要在一些小事上與他人發生爭執，我們不要總是想要戰勝他人。
我們如果有機會分配一些資源時，我們要保持公平。
遇到有疑惑的事情時，不要過於偏向任何一種可能性。
遇事需要表達自己的觀點的情況時，不要過於執著於自己的所知。
這句成語直接翻譯的意思是看到財物時，我們不要貪心的想要得到這些財物。
親愛的朋友，你聽完這個故事有怎樣的啟發或有怎樣的想法呢。
你是否有捐助或施捨的習慣呢?你的家人如果犯錯時你會偏袒他還是公正地指出他的錯誤呢?
我期待這故事能讓你產生一些新的收穫。
出處為禮記-曲禮上