[One Thousand Characters a Day] Shindok, The Power of Time Alone <4>

Editor's NoteWhen answering questions like 'What should I live for?' and 'What is my calling?', one encounters Cheonmyeong (天命) and realizes the path to take and the purpose of life. True happiness comes from recognizing the calling given by heaven and fulfilling its meaning. This realization can be attained during times of hardship. Such hardship refers to a thoroughly solitary time with no one around and no environment to rely on. Word count: 1041 characters.

At fifty, Confucius experienced both honor and disgrace. Upon turning fifty, he became the Dasi-Gu (大司寇, Minister of Justice overseeing criminal law) of the State of Lu, gaining a position to realize his aspirations, but he was soon dismissed. To fulfill his purpose, he wandered the world for 14 years, visiting many states and meeting kings, but could not find a country to join. During a time of military power and war, Confucius's proposal to govern the country with rites and love was inevitably regarded as an unrealistic and hollow idea.

During this process, Confucius faced the threat of starvation and was accused of being a thief, even facing threats to his life. He was placed in such a desperate situation that he could not help but accept humiliating criticism likening him to a 'dog at a funeral.' Cheonmyeong is a state that can be achieved only after accumulating such numerous hardships.

Cheonmyeong (天命) literally means 'Heaven's command.' Therefore, it cannot be changed by human effort. We can only do our best in the process and then wait for the outcome according to heaven's will. This is what the saying 'Jin In Sa Dae Cheonmyeong' (盡人事待天命) conveys. To achieve what we desire, we must make efforts, but even after doing our best, things may not work out. The phrase 'waiting for heaven's will' (待天命) means exactly that. Cheonmyeong is like fate that cannot be controlled by human power. Regarding this, Dasan Jeong Yak-yong hits the core as follows.

"The principles of misfortune and blessing have long been doubted by the ancients. Not everyone who practices loyalty and filial piety necessarily avoids misfortune, nor does every licentious and dissipated person necessarily suffer misfortune. However, since doing good is the way to receive blessings, a gentleman diligently practices goodness."

Dasan's insight resonates even more deeply. His life, having risen to the high post of acting Minister of Justice before turning forty under King Jeongjo's favor, yet being exiled for 18 years due to political strife, proves this. No matter how virtuously one lives, life can be hard, and seeing wicked people prosper makes people doubt 'heaven's will.' But happiness in life is not given by external circumstances.

－Jo Yoon-je, Shindok, The Power of Being Alone, Business Books, 17,800 KRW