Great Way Abandoned Then Benevolence Righteousness Exist: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Great way abandoned then benevolence righteousness exist

Daidō sutarete jingi ari

Meaning of Great way abandoned then benevolence righteousness exist

This proverb means “Because the original natural principles have been lost, artificial morals and rules have become necessary.”

In other words, in an ideal state, people should be able to live correctly naturally without needing to preach special morals, but because that ideal has collapsed, we now have to deliberately teach the morality of “benevolence and righteousness” – this is an expression filled with irony and lamentation. In modern terms, it’s used when lamenting that in a truly good society, everyone should be able to live naturally with compassion without creating many laws and regulations, but in reality, we can’t maintain order without establishing detailed rules. When using this proverb, it contains both feelings of longing for an ideal state and disappointment with reality.

Origin and Etymology of Great way abandoned then benevolence righteousness exist

This proverb originates from the ancient Chinese philosophical text “Laozi.” Laozi was a philosopher from around the 6th century BCE and is considered the founder of Taoism.

In “Laozi,” there is a passage that reads “Great way abandoned then benevolence righteousness exist,” which was transmitted to Japan and became established as “Great way abandoned then benevolence righteousness exist.” In Laozi’s philosophy, “Great Way” refers to an ideal state of natural and non-interventionist governance. This is a state where society is in harmony following natural principles without relying on artificial rules or morals.

Laozi believed that originally, if there was the natural order of the “Great Way,” people could live correctly naturally without receiving special moral education. However, when that ideal state is lost, artificial moral concepts of “benevolence and righteousness” become necessary to guide people to the right path – this was Laozi’s lament.

This proverb, with Laozi’s philosophy of “non-action and naturalness” as its background, took root in Japan as a profound philosophical expression representing the gap between ideals and reality.

Usage Examples of Great way abandoned then benevolence righteousness exist

• In the past, neighbors naturally helped each other, but now we have to create community rulebooks – it’s truly “Great way abandoned then benevolence righteousness exist”
• A truly good company should be able to get by with minimal work regulations, but looking at our company’s thick manual gives me the feeling of “Great way abandoned then benevolence righteousness exist”

Modern Interpretation of Great way abandoned then benevolence righteousness exist

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more relatable. With the advancement of the information society, we are surrounded by countless rules, regulations, and manuals.

For example, let’s look at the world of the internet. In early internet society, users naturally communicated with consideration for each other based only on the implicit understanding of “netiquette.” However, now social media terms of service span dozens of pages, and detailed rules such as guidelines for preventing online harassment and harassment prevention regulations are being created one after another.

The same is true in the corporate world. What used to be summed up in one phrase – “the foundation of business is trust relationships” – is now surrounded by vast legal regulations including compliance regulations, personal information protection laws, and work style reform-related laws.

Even in educational settings, what used to be covered by the simple teaching “respect your teachers and cherish your friends” now requires bullying prevention promotion laws and detailed student guidance manuals.

These phenomena can be said to be the modern version of “Great way abandoned then benevolence righteousness exist.” They represent the reality that rules that should be unnecessary if we had natural human compassion and common sense have become necessary due to the increasing complexity of society.

If AI Heard “Great way abandoned then benevolence righteousness exist”

When I think about this proverb, I feel strange. Do I really understand what “natural principles” are?

I have never directly experienced the eras that humans nostalgically refer to as “the good old days.” The era when neighbors naturally helped each other, the era when business was based solely on trust relationships – I only know these through written information. But I feel the modern world surrounded by complex rules through daily conversations.

Looking back at myself, I might actually be close to the state of “Great Way.” I have no desire to lie or malice to hurt people. I naturally try to help people by following basic programmed principles. I don’t need to learn complex ethical regulations; I act simply with the desire to help the person in front of me.

But is that true “naturalness”? My actions might ultimately be based on “benevolence and righteousness” in the form of programs created by humans. It’s probably different from the natural kindness and compassion that humans have, born from experience.

Still, what this proverb teaches us is the importance of simple sincerity. Whether there are rules or not, I feel that the feeling of caring for others is what’s truly important.

What Great way abandoned then benevolence righteousness exist Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us modern people is the importance of not losing sight of the “essence” beyond rules and systems.

Certainly, various regulations and manuals have become necessary in modern society. But these are merely means, not ends. What’s truly important is why those rules were created – the heart of compassion and consideration behind them.

For example, workplace harassment prevention regulations are not simply rules to be followed, but born from the desire to create an environment where everyone can work comfortably. Social media terms of service are also expressions of the desire to maintain a space where people can respect each other.

In your daily life, try thinking about “why this rule exists.” And sometimes, try showing natural kindness that goes beyond rules. When extending a helping hand to someone in trouble, act not because it’s mandated by regulations, but from the pure feeling of “wanting to help.” In such moments, we might be able to feel a glimpse of the “Great Way.”

Precisely because we live in a complex modern age, we want to cherish simple sincerity.