thiên đạo
Definition
- Noun:
- The Way of Heaven: A classical philosophical and ethical concept referring to the natural moral order or principle governing the universe and human affairs, often seen as just and impartial.
- Natural Law / Cosmic Order: The inherent principle or path of nature and the cosmos, which dictates the proper course of events and the consequences of actions.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Theo Nho giáo, con người phải thuận theo thiên đạo. (According to Confucianism, one must follow the Way of Heaven.)
- Hành động tàn ác đó là trái với thiên đạo. (That cruel act is against the natural law.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in classical, literary, or philosophical contexts, often related to Confucianism, Daoism, or traditional Vietnamese thought. It conveys a sense of supreme, objective justice.
Variants and Related Words
- Đạo trời: (n) A synonym with identical meaning, also used in classical contexts.
- Đạo trời hẳn là có mắt. (Surely, the Way of Heaven has eyes.)
Synonyms
- Cosmic justice: The idea of fairness ordained by the universe.
- Natural order: The principle according to which nature and life are organized.
Related Idioms
- Thiên đạo vô thân: (The Way of Heaven is impartial.) An idiom meaning cosmic justice favors no one; it is fair and unbiased.
- Thiên đạo vô thân, chỉ khuyến thiện trừ ác. (The Way of Heaven is impartial, it only encourages good and eradicates evil.)