Chinese Idiom: Doing Good Is the Greatest Source of Happiness (為善最樂)

Two little girls do their homework together as one helps the other with her lesson. (Zhang Bo/Photos.com)

The Chinese idiom 為善最樂 (wéi shàn zuì lè) expresses the principle that doing good is the greatest source of happiness.

The idiom originates from the Eastern Han Dynasty (A.D. 25–220) during the reign of its second emperor, Han Mingdi (漢明帝), or Emperor Ming (ruled A.D. 57–75).

The story is about Liu Cang (劉蒼), one of the sons of Liu Xiu (劉秀), founder of the Eastern Han.

According to historical records, Liu Cang was a highly educated and talented man who was held in great esteem by Emperor Ming. Liu Cang was granted the title of Duke of Dongping (東平公) around A.D. 39, and later rose to become Prince Xian of Dongping.

Each time Emperor Ming set out on his travels to different parts of the country to conduct inspections, he would appoint Liu Cang to oversee management of the capital.

Although Liu Cang had a lofty status, he displayed none of the greedy habits such as extravagance and rampant pursuit of pleasure often seen in the aristocratic class.

Just the opposite, he had great concern for the welfare of the people and often reminded Emperor Ming to make important contributions to the peace and prosperity of the country.

Liu Cang’s prestige steadily grew due to his high moral character and his sincerity in treating others. However, this also worried him, and he made repeated requests to resign from his post, wanting to return to his fiefdom of Dongping.

Emperor Ming was reluctant to let him go and delayed for a long time before accepting his resignation.

After returning to Dongping, Liu Cang continued to provide the emperor with many useful insights on national issues for the benefit of the country and the people.

Emperor Ming in return cared deeply about Liu Cang’s well-being, and on one occasion asked Liu Cang what made him the happiest when he was at home.

Liu Cang replied in simple words, “Doing good is the greatest source of happiness,” which later became an idiom that carries deep meaning.

The idiom expresses the belief that doing good and helping others, which comes from a selfless heart and kind thoughts toward others, is the happiest thing of all and builds a foundation for a bright future.

A report published by the Mental Health Foundation in the U.K. in May 2012 titled “Doing Good?” cited evidence that being kind and helping others is beneficial for people’s mental health and well-being.

“Kindness is a win-win-win,” said well-known Canadian author and community leader Rabbi Reuven Bulka.

“Number one, it’s free. Secondly, it makes other people feel good. And thirdly, it will make you feel good,” he told The Epoch Times upon his launch of Kindness Week in the city of Ottawa in 2008.