The Ancient’s Wisdom: The Rule of 3 and 7 for a Peaceful Home

22 October, 2024

The phrase, “A chair should not be moved after three, a bed after seven, and the third aspect is the most crucial,” holds a special meaning. To unravel the significance and application of this proverb, let’s dissect each part and their interconnectedness.

1. “A Chair Should Not Be Moved After Three”

The first part of the proverb, “a chair should not be moved after three,” underscores the importance of stability and patience in social relationships, especially in communication and work interactions. Here, “chair” symbolizes one’s position, stability, or presence in a specific context. The number “three” mentioned here can be interpreted as the minimum duration to maintain stability.

The message conveyed is that in relationships and work, maintaining a consistent presence and stability over a certain period is essential for building trust and respect. Frequently changing your seat or shifting your stance without valid reasons can make others feel uncertain and less approachable.

2. “A Bed Should Not Be Moved After Seven”

The second part, “a bed should not be moved after seven,” emphasizes long-term commitment and care in personal life, particularly within family and romantic relationships. “Bed” here alludes to one’s private space, where you live and share your life with loved ones. The number “seven” could represent a longer duration, indicating the time needed to demonstrate dedication and care.

It speaks to the importance of maintaining stability and commitment in close relationships, be it family ties, friendships, or romantic partnerships. Patience and perseverance through challenges in personal relationships are vital to building and sustaining a happy and enduring life.

3. “A Coffin Should Not Be Moved After Eight”

In ancient times, coffins were built to a length of exactly eight units, no more, no less, regardless of who they were intended for. This practice stems from the fact that, in antiquity, the tallest person would be around seven units tall, hence the saying, “A man stands seven units tall.” Thus, the coffin’s length had to be larger than seven units, and eight units became the standard coffin size.

In the Chinese language, the word for “eight” is pronounced similarly to the word for “fortune.” Additionally, the word for “coffin” shares the same pronunciation as the word for “official position” or “government office.” As such, a coffin also symbolizes good fortune and career advancement. Building a coffin to the length of eight units conveys well-wishes for the deceased and expresses hopes that they will bless their descendants.

When a person passes away, they cannot take their wealth and possessions with them. Instead of spending a lifetime accumulating material possessions, one should focus on doing good deeds so that their descendants can reap the benefits of their ancestral virtues.

The proverb, “A chair should not be moved after three, a bed after seven, and the third aspect is the most crucial,” encapsulates a wealth of meaning and valuable lessons. It underscores the importance of stability, patience, and commitment in both social and personal relationships. Simultaneously, it reminds us to consider other equally important factors in life. By applying these lessons to our daily lives, we can build and maintain more harmonious, enduring, and fulfilling relationships.

(This article is for reference and contemplation only)