Today, let's explore the rich connotation of the word "愆" and its unique position in ancient culture.
First, let's correct a common misconception: 愆 is not pronounced "yán", but "qiān".
This misunderstanding may stem from the similarity in the glyphs of the characters 愆 and Yan, but in reality, their pronunciation and meanings are very different.
The word "愆" has multiple meanings in ancient texts. It can denote sin, negligence, such as the word "sin", which refers to a crime or a wrongdoing.
Here, the word "sorrow" conveys a deep understanding and reflection on wrong behavior. In ancient society, people attached great importance to morality and etiquette, and once they made mistakes, they were severely punished and condemned by public opinion.
Therefore, the word "sorrow" also carries the ancients' adherence to moral norms and warnings against wrong behaviors.
In addition, "sorrow" also has the meaning of delay and delay. For example, "scorn" refers to the missed time or deadline of the agreed time. This meaning embodies the ancient virtues of valuing time and keeping promises.
In ancient times, the concept of time was particularly important, and strict time management was required for both agricultural production and commercial trade. Therefore, "sorrow" is not only a mistake, but also an irresponsibility to others and society.
Interestingly, "愆" can also indicate an imbalance between warm and cold weather, mostly referring to extreme weather phenomena such as drought or extreme heat. This meaning reflects the ancient people's keen observation and reverence for the natural environment.
In ancient times, it was believed that abnormal changes in the weather were God's punishment for human faults, so the word "lurking" also implied a deep reflection on the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.
In addition to being used as a noun, "愆" is often used as a verb in everyday contexts, indicating loss or loss. For example, the word "harmony" refers to the state of disharmony and disharmony.
This usage further enriches the connotation of the word "愆", making it not only limited to material mistakes, but also extends to the lack of interpersonal relationships and spiritual aspects.
And when we talk about the "three sorrows", we can't help but think of the teachings of Confucius. Confucius once said that there are three kinds of faults in speaking, that is, "what is not spoken is called restlessness, what is said is hidden without words, and what is said is blindness when not seeing colors", all three of which are regarded by Confucius as "sorrow" in speaking.
First of all, "impatience in the sense of impatience" refers to the rush to speak when the time is not right or the situation is not appropriate, which often seems impatient and rash.
In real life, we sometimes say inappropriate things on the spur of the moment, and this impatient rhetoric often leads to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Second, "what is said but not hidden", that is, when it is necessary to make a clear statement, choose to be silent.
This silence may stem from fear, hesitation, or uncertainty, but whatever the reason, it can lead to misunderstanding or confusion of information.
Finally, "the color is said to be blind when you don't see the color", where the "color" refers to the emotions and attitudes of the other person.
If we don't pay attention to observing and understanding the emotions and reactions of the other person, but just talk about ourselves, then our words are likely to be like a blind man touching an elephant, unable to get to the heart of the truth.
These words of Confucius are not only a subtle explanation of the art of speaking, but also a valuable guide on how to avoid "sorrow" in our daily interactions.
When communicating with others, we should learn to judge the situation, observe words and feelings, and express our opinions and emotions in an appropriate way and at the right time.
With the teachings of Confucius's "Three Sorrows", we can better avoid mistakes and improve our self-cultivation, so that we can walk more steadily and ambitiously on the road of life.