The idea that heaven and earth are kings and teachers originated from Guoyu and was formed in Xunzi. In the Taiping Jing of the Eastern Han Dynasty, it is said in an orderly way that "heaven and earth are kings and fathers are teachers". At the beginning of the Northern Song Dynasty, the expression "Heaven and Earth as a Master" had formally appeared.

Since the late Ming Dynasty, the worship of "heaven, earth, king and teacher" has been widely popular among the people, and it is more common to take it as the object of sacrifice. In the early years of Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty, the order of "heaven and earth as teachers" was determined for the first time in the name of the emperor and the country, and its significance was interpreted, especially highlighting the status and role of "teachers". Since then, "heaven, earth, king and teacher" have become popular national sacrificial objects.

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Chinese traditional culture advocates the concept of "heaven and earth respect teachers", and puts teachers on the same status as the relatives of heaven and earth, which shows the importance and love for teachers.

It is the essence of traditional culture to respect teachers and emphasize Taoism when the ancient style strikes. "In a threesome, there must be a teacher." Confucius' famous words have become evidence that the Chinese nation respects teachers and values morality. No matter the most holy teacher or princes, they all have respect and gratitude for their teachers.

In the spring of 52 1 BC, Confucius learned that his students had been ordered by the king of Lu to pay homage to the emperor in Luoyang, Kyoto, Zhou Dynasty. He thought it was a good opportunity to ask Laozi, the guardian of Tibetan history in Zhou Dynasty, about "etiquette", so he went with the palace. The day after Confucius arrived in Kyoto, he went to the Tibetan History Museum on foot to visit Laozi.

Lao Tzu, who was studying, heard that the world-famous Confucius had come to ask for advice, so he quickly put down his letters, packed his clothes and went out to meet him. Confucius saw a healthy old man coming out of the gate, thinking it was Laozi. He hurried forward and respectfully paid tribute to one of Lao Zi's disciples. After entering the hall, Confucius bowed again before sitting down.

Laozi asked Confucius why he came. Confucius left his seat and replied, "I have little knowledge and know nothing about the ancient' etiquette system', so I specially asked the teacher." Seeing that Confucius was so sincere, Lao Tzu expressed his views in detail. After returning to Lu, Confucius' students asked him to explain Laozi's knowledge. Confucius said, "I am a good teacher, knowing the past and the present, the source of rites and music, and the return of virtue."

Baidu Encyclopedia-Lord of Heaven and Earth