Confucian Idea of a Door 出不由戶

In "Door to the Source of Creation," there is a Confucian saying that hints at a hidden place:

論語, 雍也第六. 子曰：「誰能出不由戶，何莫由斯道也？」

In the Analects, Confucius said: "Who can enter and exit their home without going through the main door? Then why doesn't anyone take the moral path?"

This front door is the primary entry point for our spirits to enter and exit our bodies. This entrance leads to a moral path that we must take. Photo by Max Vakhtbovycn from Pexels

As Confucius suggests, the main door is not just a physical entry point but a profound symbol. It is the primary gateway for our spirits to enter and exit our bodies, leading to a moral path that we all, as human beings, must take.

Another verse from the Analects further elaborates on this concept of moral path:

論語, 學而, 二: 有子曰：君子務本，本立而道生。

In this verse, one of Confucius' disciples stated: "A noble-minded person is committed to their moral center, which guides them in how they live. Once this center is established, their moral path becomes clear."

Returning to the door analogy, this door represents our moral center, synonymous with our true self, spirit, or true nature. If we abide by it, our moral center establishes our moral path. Yes, the word moral can be a turned-off for many as it has a dogmatic connotation, as it was for me in my earlier years of studying Eastern philosophy. However, over time, I have learned that the sense of morality that comes from our true self is just the bidding of our conscience. Submitting to it brings inner peace and deeper joy.