Lessons from Ancient China: The Power of Forgiveness and Integrity
5-23 The Tzu said, “Bo Yi Shu Qi (1) does not remember the old evils (2), and grudges are used with Xi (3).”
[Commentary
(1) Bo Yi and Shu Qi: the two sons of the Lone Bamboo King at the end of the Yin Dynasty. After the death of their father, the two gave way to each other and both fled to King Wen of Zhou. When King Wu of Zhou raised an army to fight against Zhou, they thought it was an act of unfaithfulness and filial piety to kill the king with their subjects, and had blocked it. After Zhou destroyed Shang and unified the world, they were ashamed of eating the grain of Zhou Dynasty and fled into the deep mountains to fill their hunger with weeds and died of starvation in Shouyang Mountain.
__________________
(3) Xi: same as rare.
[Translation
Confucius said, “The two men, Boyi and Shuqi, did not remember the past hatred of others, (and, therefore, other people’s) grudges against them were thus less.”
[Commentary
In this chapter, Confucius mainly praised Bo Yi and Shu Qi for not remembering their past hatred. Bo Yi and Shu Qi thought that King Wu of Zhou’s conquest of the Zhou Empire was “using violence to replace violence”, and they were against both King Wu of Zhou and King Zhou of Yin, but in order to protect the etiquette of the ruler and his ministers, they stopped King Wu from conquering the Zhou Empire, and they died of starvation on Shouyang Mountain because they did not eat Zhou’s corn. Confucius, on the other hand, praised Bo Yi and Shu Qi from the perspective that they did not remember the old grudges of others, and therefore others did not remember their old grudges. Confucius used such a story to tell about the attitude one should have in the world.
In the rich tapestry of Chinese philosophy, the teachings of Confucius stand as pillars of wisdom that have guided countless generations. Among these teachings, the story of Bo Yi and Shu Qi serves as a poignant reminder of the virtues of forgiveness and integrity, qualities that resonate deeply across cultures and eras.
The Tale of Bo Yi and Shu Qi
Bo Yi and Shu Qi were brothers, princes of the ancient state of Guzhu during the late Shang Dynasty. When their father passed away, they both renounced their claim to the throne out of respect and humility, each insisting the other should rule. Their mutual deference led them to flee to the court of King Wen of Zhou, seeking a place where their moral integrity could be honored.
However, their journey did not end there. When King Wen’s son, King Wu, raised an army to overthrow the tyrannical Shang ruler, Bo Yi and Shu Qi objected. They believed that even a despotic ruler should not be deposed by force, a stance reflecting their profound commitment to loyalty and propriety. Despite their objections, King Wu succeeded, and the Zhou Dynasty was established.
Refusing to partake in the new regime and live off the grain of the Zhou, which they saw as tainted by the bloodshed of war, Bo Yi and Shu Qi retreated to the solitude of Shouyang Mountain. There, they lived a life of asceticism, subsisting on wild herbs until they eventually died of starvation. Their sacrifice became a lasting testament to their principles.
Confucius’ Praise for Bo Yi and Shu Qi
Confucius, the great sage, praised Bo Yi and Shu Qi for their steadfastness and moral rectitude. He highlighted their remarkable ability to let go of past grievances, a trait encapsulated in the phrase “bu nian jiu e” (不念旧恶), meaning “not remembering old wrongs.” Confucius noted that because they did not harbor resentment, they faced little animosity in return.
This philosophy of forgiveness, coupled with unwavering integrity, is a cornerstone of Confucian ethics. It emphasizes that personal virtue and moral conduct are paramount, transcending even the turbulent tides of political change and personal misfortune.
Relevance to Modern Times
In today’s fast-paced and often contentious world, the story of Bo Yi and Shu Qi offers a timeless lesson. Forgiveness and integrity are not merely lofty ideals but practical virtues that can foster harmony and respect in our personal and professional lives. By letting go of past grievances and adhering to our principles, we can create a more compassionate and just society.
Furthermore, the narrative underscores the importance of moral courage—the willingness to stand by one’s convictions even in the face of adversity. Bo Yi and Shu Qi’s story reminds us that true honor lies not in power or wealth but in the strength of character and the integrity of one’s actions.