Understanding Confucius’ Wisdom: The Balanced Emotions in ‘Guan Sui’

3·20 The Master said, “The song of Guan-sui (1) is pleasant without being licentious, and sad without being sorrowful.”

[Annotation]

(1) The song of Guan-sui: Guan-sui, pronounced jū, is the first chapter of the Book of Songs. This poem describes a gentleman’s “pursuit” of a lady, his thoughts of her when he is awake and when he is asleep, and the joy of marriage with the sound of drums and gongs.

Translation

Confucius said, “The poem ‘Guan Sui’ is happy but not licentious, and sad but not sorrowful.”

Commentary

Confucius’s evaluation of the poem “Guan Sui” reflects his artistic view of “no evil thoughts.” The poem “Guan Sui” is about love between a man and a woman and celebrates a wedding, which has nothing to do with “thinking without evil.” However, Confucius realized the idea of “joy without immorality and sorrow without sadness” from it, believing that neither sorrow nor joy should be excessive, and that they have their own valuable value.

The Poem ‘Guan Sui’

“Guan Sui” is a poetic depiction of a gentleman’s longing and eventual union with a lady. It vividly portrays his thoughts of her during the day and night, culminating in the joy of their marriage, celebrated with the sound of drums and gongs. Despite its focus on romantic love, Confucius saw deeper values in its emotional expression.

Joy Without Licentiousness

Confucius admired the joy expressed in “Guan Sui” because it is genuine and pure, devoid of any licentiousness. In this context, licentiousness refers to excessive or inappropriate behavior that goes beyond the boundaries of moral decency. The poem celebrates love and marriage in a way that respects societal norms and virtues, offering a wholesome portrayal of happiness.

This principle is significant in today’s context as well. Modern culture often blurs the lines between joy and excess, leading to behaviors that might be deemed inappropriate or harmful. Confucius’ appreciation for measured joy encourages us to find happiness in a manner that upholds dignity and respect for others.

Sorrow Without Sadness

Equally important is Confucius’ praise for the poem’s expression of sorrow that avoids plunging into despair. The poem acknowledges the gentleman’s yearning and longing but does so in a way that remains constructive and hopeful. This perspective aligns with the idea that while it is natural to experience sadness, it should not overwhelm us to the point of hopelessness.

In our lives, we encounter various forms of sorrow and loss. Confucius’ insight reminds us that it is possible to navigate these emotions without losing hope or succumbing to despair. Maintaining a balanced emotional state allows us to cope better and find a path forward, even in difficult times.

The Modern Relevance of Confucius’ Views

Confucius’ evaluation of “Guan Sui” provides timeless guidance on emotional moderation. His call for joy without immorality and sorrow without sadness emphasizes the importance of balance in our emotional lives. In a world that often swings between extremes, these teachings encourage a harmonious approach to experiencing and expressing emotions.

Understanding and applying Confucius’ insights can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. By celebrating joy in its purest form and acknowledging sorrow without letting it dominate us, we can cultivate emotional resilience and inner peace.