Basic Teachings of Confucianism

Summary

This 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

00:00

📚 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.

05:00

👪 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.

10:02

🌱 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.

Keywords

💡Confucianism

Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, a Chinese philosopher who lived in the 5th to 4th century BCE. It emphasizes moral integrity, social harmony, and proper conduct within a hierarchical framework. In the video, Confucianism is discussed as a way to establish order and structure in society, particularly during times of chaos and fragmentation, as it was during Confucius's era with the warring states.

💡Chun-soo (Junzi)

Chun-soo, or 'Junzi' in Chinese, refers to the 'superior person' or 'ideal person' in Confucian philosophy. It represents a person who strives for moral excellence and embodies virtues such as benevolence, wisdom, and courage. The script mentions that Confucius believed in the importance of striving to become a Chun-soo, highlighting the three constants on the lips of a gentleman, which are related to the virtues of a Chun-soo.

💡Benevolence (Ren)

Benevolence, or 'Ren', is a central concept in Confucianism, signifying compassion and love for others. It is the ultimate virtue that drives an ideal person to act selflessly and with consideration for others. The script explains that Confucius equates benevolence with the Golden Rule, 'Do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself,' indicating its foundational role in ethical behavior.

💡Wisdom

In the context of the video, wisdom is one of the three virtues that a gentleman should constantly strive to embody, alongside benevolence and courage. Wisdom in Confucianism is associated with clear decision-making and consistency in thought and action, as opposed to being of two minds or indecisive.

💡Courage

Courage, as discussed in the script, is another of the three virtues that define a gentleman in Confucianism. It is the quality of being fearless in the face of danger or adversity, which allows a person to act righteously even when faced with challenges.

💡Lai (Proper Conduct)

Lai refers to proper conduct or ritual propriety in Confucian teachings. It involves adhering to cultural practices and social norms that contribute to the development of a superior person. The script mentions that Confucius believed in establishing the five cardinal relationships as part of Lai, emphasizing the importance of proper conduct within these relationships.

💡Five Cardinal Relationships

The Five Cardinal Relationships are fundamental to Confucian social ethics. They include the relationships between ruler and subject, parent and child, husband and wife, elder and younger brother, and between friends. Each relationship has its own set of responsibilities and duties, which are to be earned through proper conduct, as explained in the script.

💡Zhao (Reverence for Family)

Zhao is the concept of reverence for one's family and ancestors in Confucianism. It signifies the importance of prioritizing family and treating elders with profound respect. The script illustrates this with the idea that a good son or daughter does not wander far from their parents, reflecting the deep-rooted Confucian value of family unity and respect for elders.

💡Doctrine of the Mean

The Doctrine of the Mean is a Confucian concept that emphasizes living in moderation and avoiding excess. It is about finding balance and compromise in one's actions and attitudes, which is seen as crucial for maintaining social harmony. The script relates this concept to the idea of establishing new customs to make society more cohesive during times of chaos.

💡Arts of Peace

The Arts of Peace refer to activities that promote unity and harmony, as opposed to the Arts of War, which incite conflict. In the script, Confucius advocates for engaging in the arts of peace, such as poetry and music, to cultivate sensibility, self-reflection, and a sense of duty towards one's family and ruler, thereby fostering social cohesion.

💡Relationships as Identity

The script discusses the Confucian view that one's identity is deeply intertwined with their relationships. It suggests that an individual is defined by their connections to family, friends, community, and society at large. This concept is used to explain the importance of maintaining social order and cohesion, as each person's actions affect their relationships and, by extension, the larger social fabric.

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