五讀書

3. What is the teaching perspective of ancient Chinese Metaphysics about our destiny?

(The English version is available below)

 

上回説到四積陰德五讀書，讀書在古代卻可籍由功名提取社會地位，最少在一般群眾之上當起父母官，從而衣食無憂光顯祖宗，不失為一能改變命運的實在方法。

 

但自己能讀是否即能被考中金磅提名，扶搖直上從此平步青雲？

 

讀好書是自己的本分，考好試卻是臨場環境的因素。往往一考數屆，以前是辰戍丑未年才有考即三年一次。

 

靠讀書之途而改變自己可真要好好規劃安排一番。畢竟古時壽數才50左右，一半欲拿去換取功名地位，人生卻是苦短呀～

 

In the previous articles, we discussed doing good deeds and working hard on studies. Excel in studies is very significant in the ancient Chinese society to raise one's social status. The only method to change one's destiny is to achieve the status of an officer, hence the basic living needs are satisfied and make our ancestors feel honoured and proud.

 

 Nevertheless, many people are doubtful whether excelling in studies can aid one to achieve a high status spontaneously.

 

 It is one's responsibility to work hard in studies but passing the examination with flying colours was dependent on the circumstances of the environment.

 

However, the ancient Chinese examination is only available once in every three years, in the year of Dragon, Dog, Ox and Goat.

 

Therefore, it is fundamental to have a detailed study plan to change our destiny. After all, the average age of our ancestors was around 50 years and they spent half of their lives to achieve high social status and power. Life is short.