After 功過格 (The ledge of merits and demerits), what was the promoting ways

[석수]

功過格 (The ledge of merits and demerits)

ledge

명사
선반, 돌출부, 절벽의 턱

a narrow horizontal surface projecting from a wall, cliff, or other vertical surface

예시:

He placed the plant on the window ledge.
그는 창문 선반 위에 화분을 놓았다.

The climber rested on a narrow ledge halfway up the cliff.
등반가는 절벽 중간의 좁은 돌출부에서 휴식을 취했다.


공과격(功過格, Gong Guo Ge)은 중국 및 한국의 도교와 유교, 불교 문화권에서 행해진 ‘선행(功)과 악행(過)의 목록(格)을 기록하여 도덕적 수행을 점검하는 일종의 도덕 일지/회계 장부’를 의미합니다.


주요 의미와 특징은 다음과 같습니다.

한자 뜻: 功(공 공 - 선행) + 過(허물 과 - 악행) + 格(격식 격/목록) = 선악 행동 수칙 및 점검표.




After 功過格 (The ledge of merits and demerits), what was the promoting ways for practicing goodness, in Chinese culture?


Aside from the ledge of merits and demerits, there was another way of promoting goodness, i.e., morality advocation books, or 劝善书 in Chinese. Among the numerous tracts about this topic, the most well-known one is Tractate of the Most High One on Actions and Consequences, or 太上感应篇 in Chinese.

This Taoist morality book was published in Song Dynasty and had huge influence in the Chinese society since then. It believed that what people did in the temporal world would be watched over by spirits or gods, such as, the spirit in the body, the gods above the head and Kitchen God in the house. As such, people should lead a morally upright life, instead of living an astray one, which would be judged and visited by the cosmic justice.

In the second chapter of this book, How to Be Good, which gave a detailed way to strive for goodness. “Follow the right path, and retreat from the wrong one. Do not follow evil paths, nor sin in secret. Accumulate merit; show a compassionate heart in all things. Be loyal, filial, friendly, and brotherly; by correcting yourself, transform others.

Pity orphans and be compassionate to widows, respect the elderly and be kind to the young. Do not even injure insects, grasses, and trees. Be saddened by other people’s misfortunes and delight in their good fortune. Help those in need and rescue those in danger. Regard the gains of others as though they were your own.

And regard the failings of others as your own failings. Do not expose other people’s weaknesses, nor boast of your own strengths. Condemn evil and promote virtue, renounce much and accept little. Suffer humiliation without resentment, receive benefits as though startled. Extend help, but do not request compensation, help others without later regrets.”