Basic Teachings of Confucianism
Summary
TLDRThis script delves into the fundamental teachings of Confucianism, emphasizing the pursuit of becoming a 'junzi' or superior person characterized by benevolence (Ren), wisdom, and courage. It highlights the importance of proper conduct within the five key relationships and the significance of reverence for family and ancestors. The doctrine of the mean is introduced as a guide to moderation, and the arts of peace are promoted over war. The philosophy positions the individual as an integral part of various relationships, suggesting a collective identity that contributes to social cohesion and order.
Takeaways
- 📚 Confucianism's Core Teaching: The pursuit of becoming a 'Junzi' or 'superior person', embodying the ideal virtues of benevolence, wisdom, and courage.
- 💖 Benevolence (Ren): The central virtue in Confucianism, emphasizing compassion and love for others, akin to the Golden Rule of not doing to others what you wouldn't want done to yourself.
- 🧠 Wisdom and Decision-Making: A wise person is never indecisive, highlighting the importance of clear judgment and consistency in one's actions.
- 🦁 Courage and Fearlessness: A courageous person is never afraid, suggesting that moral strength and bravery are key to the superior person's character.
- 🗣️ Speech and Action: The noble person is slow to speak but quick in action, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful communication and decisive execution.
- 👪 The Five Relationships: Fundamental to Confucian ethics, these relationships (ruler-subject, parent-child, husband-wife, elder sibling-younger sibling, and friend-friend) define social order and the responsibilities within them.
- 🏡 Family Reverence (Zhao): The family is central to Confucian thought, advocating respect for ancestors and prioritizing family in one's life.
- 🎭 Doctrine of the Mean: Confucius promotes moderation and avoiding excess, a strategy for maintaining social harmony and personal balance.
- 🎼 Arts of Peace: The cultivation of virtues through poetry, music, and other peaceful arts is encouraged over the pursuit of martial skills.
- 🌐 Social Cohesion: Confucianism aims to stabilize society and foster cohesion through the establishment of clear social structures and relational responsibilities.
- 🌿 Interconnectedness: A person is defined by their relationships and their role within the community, emphasizing the importance of social context in one's identity.
Q & A
What is the concept of 'Chun-soo' in Confucianism?
-Chun-soo, or 'Junzi' in Chinese, refers to the ideal person or superior person in Confucianism. It is someone who embodies virtues such as benevolence (Ren), wisdom, and courage, and is characterized by being slow in words but prompt in action.
What does Confucius mean by 'Ren' or benevolence?
-'Ren' in Confucianism is a virtue that signifies compassion and love for others. It is the ultimate virtue that Confucius believed should guide a person's actions and relationships with others.
What is the Golden Rule in Confucianism?
-The Golden Rule in Confucianism is encapsulated in the phrase 'Do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself,' which is a principle that encourages ethical behavior based on empathy and consideration for others.
What are the five cardinal relationships in Confucianism?
-The five cardinal relationships in Confucianism are between ruler and subject, parent and child, husband and wife, elder and younger siblings, and between friends. Each relationship has its own set of responsibilities and expectations.
How does Confucius view the hierarchy within relationships?
-Confucius views the hierarchy within relationships not as a matter of automatic authority but as a relationship with responsibility. Authority and respect must be earned through proper conduct and behavior.
What is the concept of 'Zhao' in Confucianism?
-'Zhao' refers to the reverence and respect for one's family, emphasizing that family should be a priority and treated with honor and profound respect.
What is the Doctrine of the Mean in Confucianism?
-The Doctrine of the Mean in Confucianism is the idea of living in moderation, avoiding excess, and valuing compromise. It is a principle aimed at fostering social cohesion and stability.
How does Confucius view the importance of the arts in cultivating virtue?
-Confucius believes that the arts, particularly those of peace, can help to bind people together and cultivate virtues such as sensibility, self-restraint, and the duty to serve one's parents and ruler.
What does Confucius suggest about the nature of self-identity in relation to others?
-Confucius suggests that a person's identity is not just an independent self but is deeply connected to and influenced by their relationships with family, friends, community, and all of humanity.
How does Confucianism address social disorder?
-Confucianism addresses social disorder by advocating for the establishment of clear social structures and relationships, with an emphasis on virtues like benevolence, proper conduct, and cultural practices that promote harmony and cohesion.
Does Confucianism provide an ultimate reality or underlying truth?
-Confucianism does not explicitly provide an ultimate reality or underlying truth. Instead, it focuses on practical moral teachings and social relationships, often referencing or incorporating elements from other Chinese traditions such as Taoism.
Outlines
📚 The Pursuit of Becoming a 'Junzi' in Confucianism
Confucius emphasized the importance of striving to become a 'Junzi', or a superior person, characterized by virtues such as benevolence (Ren), wisdom, and courage. He advocated for the Golden Rule, urging individuals to act with compassion towards others. Confucius also highlighted the significance of proper conduct (Li) and establishing harmonious relationships within society, including those between ruler and subject, parent and child, husband and wife, and siblings. These relationships are hierarchical but require mutual responsibility and respect, which must be earned rather than assumed. His teachings aimed to bring order and structure to a society in turmoil, promoting a cohesive and harmonious social fabric.
👪 The Importance of Family and Reverence in Confucian Ethics
Confucius placed a strong emphasis on the family unit and reverence for ancestors, suggesting that family should be a priority and treated with respect. His teachings included the idea that children should not wander far from their parents, reflecting a cultural ethos that is still prevalent in many Asian societies today. This philosophy is seen as a means to maintain social cohesion and family unity, with the belief that one's identity is deeply intertwined with their relationships to family, friends, community, and nation. The concept of the 'Junzi' is further developed through participation in cultural practices that foster good relationships and a sense of duty towards one's family and ruler.
🌱 The Doctrine of the Mean and the Arts of Peace in Confucianism
Confucius introduced the doctrine of the mean, advocating for moderation and a balanced life, avoiding excess and striving for compromise. This approach was intended to contribute to social stability amidst a chaotic society. Additionally, he promoted the arts of peace over the arts of war, encouraging activities that unite people and prevent conflict. The arts, such as poetry and music, were seen as means to cultivate sensibility, self-reflection, and restraint. Confucius believed that these practices would reinforce the importance of serving one's parents and ruler, reinforcing the interconnectedness of individuals within their societal roles and relationships.
🌟 The Interconnectedness of Individuals in Confucian Philosophy
Confucianism posits that individuals are not isolated entities but are defined by their relationships and connections with others. This perspective challenges the Western notion of rugged individualism, emphasizing that our lives are constantly influenced by and intertwined with those around us. Confucius did not claim to offer a transcendent solution to social disorder but instead provided guidance on how to maintain social order through fostering proper relationships and behaviors. His teachings reflect a holistic view of personhood that acknowledges the impact of societal structures and relationships on individual identity and actions.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Confucianism
💡Chun-soo (Junzi)
💡Benevolence (Ren)
💡Wisdom
💡Courage
💡Lai (Proper Conduct)
💡Five Cardinal Relationships
💡Zhao (Reverence for Family)
💡Doctrine of the Mean
💡Arts of Peace
💡Relationships as Identity
Highlights
Confucianism emphasizes striving to become a 'Chung,' which refers to the ideal or superior person.
A Chung possesses three key virtues: benevolence (Ren), wisdom, and courage.
Benevolence (Ren) is central to Confucianism, emphasizing compassion and love for others.
The Golden Rule, 'Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you,' is a key teaching of Confucius.
The five key relationships in Confucianism are between ruler and subject, parent and child, husband and wife, elder and younger siblings, and older and younger friends.
Each party in the five key relationships has responsibilities, and authority must be earned, not automatically granted.
Proper conduct and cultural practices (Lai) are essential in developing a superior person.
Reverence for family, including respect for parents and ancestors, is a significant aspect of Confucianism.
Confucius emphasized the Doctrine of the Mean, advocating for moderation and avoiding excess.
Participating in the 'arts of peace,' such as poetry and music, helps cultivate sensibility and avoid conflict.
Confucius viewed a person as the sum of their relationships with family, friends, community, and society.
Confucianism promotes social order and cohesion, particularly in times of chaos.
The philosophy highlights the interconnectedness of individuals within society.
Confucianism does not point to an ultimate reality but reflects Chinese traditions and Daoist influences.
Understanding Daoism can provide a broader understanding of Chinese religion and philosophy.
Transcripts
so what are the basic teachings of
Confucianism for Confucius he believed
that what we should do in life is to
strive to be a Chung - and what is that
referred to it first being the ideal
person the superior person now the next
question of course is what does this
mean he says there are three things
constantly on the lips of the gentleman
none of which I have succeeded in
following a man of benevolence Ren never
worries a man of wisdom is never in two
minds a man of courage is never afraid a
noble person covets the reputation of
being slow in words but prompt indeed a
key characteristic of what it means to
be choong-soo is this first trait
benevolence Jen Ren for Confucius this
refers to compassion this refers to love
for other people if a man sets his heart
on benevolence Ren he will be free from
evil
do not do on to others what you would
not want others to do on to you so we
see what we often think about in the
West is being the Golden Rule right and
it is explicitly stated by Confucius
back in the fourth century again the
goal he believes is for us to try to be
this ultimate person this ideal person
and that ideal person is a person whose
ultimate virtue that which drives them
that characteristic that they lean on to
be successful life is love for for
others how else can we be a chunsu well
it says Confucius we can be a chunsu
through lai lai is
proper conduct it's through various
cultural practices that will develop the
superior person primary to all of this
is establishing the five cost
relationships and to participate in
these relationships well so he defines
the five there is a relationship between
the ruler and subject there is a
relationship between a parent and child
there is a relationship between husband
and wife there is the relationship
between elder brother and younger
brother or older sibling and younger
sibling and there is relationship
between older friend and younger friend
now with ian within each of these
relationships each member of the
relationship has certain
responsibilities and even though there
is an inherent hierarchy between the two
parties in each of these relationships
it's not a it's not relationship where
powers automatically given or
authorities automatically given because
one is the parent just because one is
the husband husband it's because one is
the older it's a relationship with
responsibility and power it has to be
earned
so the elder sibling has to earn that
responsibility has to do right to earn
that authority the husband has to do
right and earn that responsibility to
protect his wife and pet cetera et
cetera so an interesting question to ask
is how you feel about this sort of
pairing these sorts of hierarchical
sorts relationships one thing to keep in
mind is that Confucius is trying to
establish some sort of order some sort
of structure within a society at a time
when the structures of society of
crumbled right at a time when we have
these warring States where almost
anything goes so he's doing his best to
lay down something easy simple clear to
understand so there's no ambiguity about
our relationships to one another
another aspect of having proper conduct
participate in proper cultural practices
is Zhao and this refers to having a
reference reverence for your family
meaning family is a priority family is
something that should be honored family
something that should be given that we
should treat with with reverence this
means having respect for one's parents
and one's ancestors this means having
profound respect for one's living elders
those that have have been around gaining
wisdom for a much longer period of time
Confucius has said or said while your
parents are alive a good son or daughter
does not wander far afield now think
about the implications for this sort of
philosophy maybe familiar with certain
families that have this sort of sort of
ethos believing that the pet the child
shouldn't leave family behind right
shouldn't leave their parents behind
because their parents are of ultimate
concern in many Asian traditions many
Asian families you see this sort of you
see the sort of guiding ethic still
alive the third the third way of
participating in proper conduct of
cultivating proper conduct and
participating cultural practices is
Confucius's idea the doctrine of the
mean now this is this is not exactly
what the Buddha is thinking about when
we first to
of the middle way alright but it's very
similar Confucius is emphasizing the
people to live in moderation not strive
for excess in to always value compromise
the idea being once again the context is
that everybody is in chaos living in
this this chaotic society in China so
Confucius is trying to establish these
traditions try to establish new customs
to make society more cohesive what's
what's more important to keeping
cohesion than valuing compromise not
striving for more than you have what
else can we do to be a choong-soo
besides having compassion or ultimate
virtue
besides participating in cultural
practices that cultivate good
relationships well there is when there
is the there's participating in the arts
of peace as opposed to the arts of war
participating in things that bind people
together that occupy us in ways that
don't push us towards conflict so he
says by poetry the mind is aroused from
music the finish is received the ODEs
quicken the mind they induce
self-contemplation they teach the art of
sensibility they help to restrain
resentment they bring home the duty of
serving one's parents and one's prince
once again we see at the very tail end
of this quote this notion of the duty to
one's parents duty to one's ruler and
maybe you can see again where this comes
from this whole this whole philosophy of
trying to make sure we keep people
together so who are you
remember within Buddhism we have this
notion that you as a permanently
existing self does not exist for
Confucius
you are more than this small individual
you are actually all the relationships
that you are a part of so when asked who
are you you would say I am my
relationship to my family I am my
relationship to my friends I am my
relationship to my community I am my
relationship to the nation and in fact I
am my relationship to all of humanity I
live within within all of these contexts
which means this all these contexts are
part of who I am
can you see how this might be a helpful
philosophy when we're trying to
stabilize a society we're trying to
bring cohesion to a fractured state if
you think of Asian families you may be
exposed to or if you grew up in an Asian
family you may still see this sort of
phenomena where the philosophy revolves
around family first where the philosophy
revolves around keeping the family
together I grew up to an Asian family my
mother is Chinese and is used to always
be difficult doing things because we'd
always ask did we tell everybody do we
tell all the uncles do we tell all the
aunts sometimes we couldn't go to places
unless everyone went because we felt as
if we were leaving part of ourselves
behind so this is a this is a phenomenon
that has existed for a very long time
I'll be back to Confucius this sort of
philosophy - sort of ethic and maybe you
can see it in your experience - so let's
summarize Confucianism as Confucius
identify a human condition not exactly
he's specifically speaking to the
conditions in China during his lifetime
and if anything he's speaking to social
disorder does he give a solution of
transcending this sort of condition
not exactly but he does point to what we
can Valley
you and the sort of relationships we
should strive for if we want to main
social and if you want to maintain
social order so what do you think the
key ideas or takeaways would be for you
from our discussion of Confucianism one
thing may be that a person isn't just an
independently existing thing a person is
always connected to and influenced by
what happens to other people
if you think about our society we feel
like we're rugged individuals yet our
lives are always for every minute of our
lives are influenced by other people we
can't help it
we live in societies within cities with
with laws or people's behaviors will
affect ours we go to shop for food which
means all our food is dependent upon the
people that work at the grocery store
the people that farm at some other
location the people that are responsible
transport the food to us we use
technology that's designed built by
other people that when it breaks we
bring to other people for help and
support so even though we think of
ourselves as separate people separate
individuals that's never really truly
the case does Confucianism point to or
indicate an ultimate in ultimate reality
ultimate underlying truth not really not
really but because it comes from various
Chinese traditions Chinese folk
religions Taoism we see a lot of those
within Confucius teachings at least
through reference if not as a direct
philosophy so it might be useful then to
get to know Taoism in order to get a
sense a larger sense of Chinese religion
Chinese philosophy and we'll do that in
our next session
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