Life, Death and Ancestors
Can you vent anger on an ancestral tablet during a family argument?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Do not take anger out on an ancestral tablet. A family dispute calls for addressing the problems between people. Venting on ancestors and beliefs important to the other person only adds another disrespectful injury.
We discussed an inheritance-dispute news story in which someone dissatisfied with the distribution argued with her husband and smashed an ancestral tablet; the marriage later failed. I specifically concluded that, regardless of whether ancestors caused the divorce, smashing the tablet itself could make the husband feel his parents and ancestors were disrespected.
This reminder asks us not to act impulsively even when angry. Explain distress to family as clearly as possible rather than throw anger at ancestors because you feel wronged. Face the immediate conflict while retaining respect.