Thần vũ bất sát

Definition

  1. Idiom (Four-character idiom / Chengyu):

    • Divinely mighty, yet does not kill: Describes a ruler or leader who possesses immense, awe-inspiring power and martial prowess, but who chooses not to employ violence or killing. It emphasizes the virtue of mercy and restraint in the use of overwhelming force.

  2. Philosophical Concept:

    • To have the power to destroy, yet forbear from doing so: A Confucian ideal of benevolent governance and moral authority. True strength and divine mandate are demonstrated not through brutality, but through wisdom, justice, and the sparing of life.
Usage Examples
  • Idiom:
    • Vị tướng ấy thực sự là "thần vũ bất sát", ông đã chiếm thành mà không làm đổ một giọt máu. (That general is truly "divinely mighty, yet does not kill"; he captured the city without shedding a drop of blood.)
    • Tinh thần "thần vũ bất sát" nên là mục tiêu của mọi nhà lãnh đạo. (The spirit of "divinely mighty, yet does not kill" should be the goal of all leaders.)
Advanced Usage
  • This idiom originates from the Chinese classic "I Ching" (Book of Changes / Kinh Dịch). It is used in classical texts and formal, literary contexts to praise the highest form of virtuous leadership and martial virtue ().
Variants and Related Words
  • Nhân từ (adj): benevolent, kind-hearted. (Describes the character trait.)
  • Khoan dung (adj): lenient, tolerant. (Describes the act of mercy.)
  • Uy vũ (n): awe-inspiring power, might. (A component of the idiom.)
Synonyms
  • Merciful might
  • Benevolent authority
  • Restrained power
Related Concepts
  • Võ đức: martial virtue; the ethical code of a warrior, emphasizing honor, righteousness, and restraint.
  • Đức trị: rule by virtue; a Confucian concept of governance through moral example rather than laws and punishment.