How Ancient Chinese Philosophy Teaches Us About Self-Care and Responsibility

8-3 When Zeng Zi had an illness, he summoned his disciples and said, “Kai(1) my foot! Open my hands! Poetry Yun (2): ‘trembling with fear and trembling, like facing an abyss, like walking on thin ice.’ And now and then, I know that I am free(3) from it, boy(4)!”[Commentary(1) Kai: open, Zeng Zi let the students lift the quilt to look at their hands and feet.(2) Shiyun: the following three lines are quoted from the chapter of “Shijing-Xiaoya-Xiaomin” (诗经-小雅-小旻).(3) Freedom: refers to the freedom of the body from injury.(4) Kid: a term of address for a disciple.[TranslationWhen Zeng Zi was sick, he gathered his students around him and said, “Look at my feet!Look at my hands (to see if there is any damage)! The Book of Songs says, ‘Be careful, as if you were standing beside an abyss, as if you were stepping on thin ice.’ From now on, I know that my body is not going to be damaged anymore, disciples!”

[Commentary

Zeng Zi borrowed three lines from the Classic of Poetry to illustrate that he was able to fulfill his filial piety to his parents by being prudent and careful all his life to avoid damaging his body. According to the Book of Filial Piety, Confucius once said to Zeng Sen: “The body’s hair and skin are received by the parents, and I dare not destroy or hurt them, which is the beginning of filial piety.” That is to say, a filial son should take great care of the body given to him by his parents, including his hair and skin, and should not damage it; this is the beginning of filial piety. Before his death, Zeng Zi asked his students to take a look at his hands and feet to show that his body was intact and that he had observed filial piety throughout his life. This shows how important filial piety is among the moral codes of Confucianism.

Confucian teachings, deeply embedded in Chinese culture, offer timeless wisdom on various aspects of life, including self-care and responsibility. One such lesson can be drawn from the story of Zengzi, a prominent disciple of Confucius, as narrated in ancient texts. This story not only highlights the Confucian virtue of filial piety but also emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and self-care—values that resonate universally.

Zengzi’s Final Lesson on Filial Piety

Zengzi, also known as Zeng Shen, fell seriously ill and called his students to his bedside. He asked them to observe his hands and feet, demonstrating that they were unscathed. He quoted lines from the “Book of Songs,” which say, “Trembling and cautious, as if standing by a deep abyss, as if treading on thin ice.” These words reflect his lifelong adherence to caution and mindfulness, ensuring he did not harm his body.

In Confucian thought, as recorded in the “Classic of Filial Piety,” Confucius emphasized that one’s body, hair, and skin are gifts from one’s parents and must not be damaged. This principle underscores the fundamental aspect of filial piety—respect and care for the body, which honors one’s parents. By presenting his undamaged hands and feet, Zengzi affirmed his commitment to this virtue, showing that he had lived a life of careful and respectful self-preservation.

Modern Relevance: Self-Care and Responsibility

Zengzi’s actions remind us of the significance of self-care and responsibility in our lives today. In contemporary terms, this philosophy aligns with the broader concept of self-care, which encompasses taking proactive steps to preserve one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Just as Zengzi meticulously cared for his body to honor his parents, we too can view self-care as a way to honor ourselves and those who care about us.

In a society that often glorifies relentless work and neglects personal health, the lesson from Zengzi’s story is particularly relevant. It encourages us to adopt a balanced approach, where taking care of oneself is seen as a fundamental duty, not a selfish act. This mindset shift can lead to better health outcomes, improved relationships, and a more fulfilling life.

Integrating Confucian Values into Daily Life

To incorporate these ancient teachings into modern life, consider the following practices:

Mindful Living: Embrace mindfulness in daily activities, being fully present and attentive to one’s actions and their impacts.

Physical Health: Prioritize regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest to maintain physical well-being.

Mental Health: Engage in practices that promote mental clarity and emotional stability, such as meditation, journaling, or seeking professional support when needed.

Respect for Self and Others: Recognize that self-care is an act of respect for oneself and those who depend on us, fostering a sense of duty and responsibility.