[One Thousand Characters a Day] Professor Park Jaehee's '3-Minute Classics' <2> - Ho-ryeon-ji Gi

Editor's NoteProfessor Park Jaehee, a classical philosopher, in his book <3 Minutes Classics>, richly and broadly explains human affairs based on the wisdom of life and fundamental principles drawn from dozens of classical works. It is composed of nine thematic chapters including attitudes toward change and innovation, interpersonal skills, the aesthetics of reverse thinking, ways to control the mind, savoring the taste of life, and reducing greed. The 216 stories included in the book answer what values remain unchanged over time and provide a momentum to change and reflect on life. The second transcription text is the teachings of <Mencius>. The text contains 830 characters.

Meaning of the Pairing of Ho-yeon-ji-gi and Ui (浩然之氣配義)

Ho-yeon-ji-gi pairs with righteousness (Ui).

'Ho-yeon-ji-gi (浩然之氣)' is a term found in <Mencius>, referring to the spirit or energy that a great man possesses. Originally, it meant the sacred energy filled in heaven and earth, but Mencius says that if a person cultivates this Ho-yeon-ji-gi well, they can live in this world as a dignified great man with an unwavering and steady mind. The question is how to cultivate Ho-yeon-ji-gi.

Mencius defines how to cultivate Ho-yeon-ji-gi through Ui (righteousness). "Ho-yeon-ji-gi is a spirit difficult to describe (浩然之氣難言也). This Ho-yeon-ji-gi is extremely great and extremely strong (基爲氣也至大至剛) and pairs with righteousness (基爲氣也配義)." Ho-yeon-ji-gi is an extremely strong and powerful energy. This energy always accompanies righteousness. Therefore, living rightly means living with Ho-yeon-ji-gi. Ho-yeon-ji-gi exists within a righteous life.

Mencius warns that if all human relationships are formed and dissolved solely based on profit, and if the goal of life is only the pursuit of profit, Ho-yeon-ji-gi gradually declines, causing the body to weaken and leading to a mental panic state. "Ho-yeon-ji-gi arises from the practice of righteousness. Without this, humans will suffer starvation." Here, starvation refers to spiritual starvation. It means a state of mental brain death that cannot be resolved simply by a nice house or delicious food. If a state without righteousness continues, Ho-yeon-ji-gi diminishes, causing mental panic and deficiency.

These are difficult times. With housing prices fluctuating, stocks and funds halving, and unstable employment, it is inevitable to become mentally exhausted. We must cultivate Ho-yeon-ji-gi through the practice and exercise of a spiritually rich and righteous life.

- Park Jaehee, <3 Minutes Classics>, Gimyoungsa, 22,000 KRW