The Notion of Harmony in Confucianism and Taoism
The Notion of Harmony in Confucianism and Taoism
At one point in our lives we are all in search of true harmony in many aspects of our lives. For thousands of years and to present day cultures around the world have been in search for harmony in every aspect of the their lives. The Chinese cultures and followers of Confucianism and Taoism have long defined the essence of harmony. Though in many ways they are different I found there is an ultimate goal in both, which is equilibrium in a societal role, piety in all rituals, compassion, and that everyone has a purpose.
Confucius’ view on harmony is honored in China as a great sage of antiquity who’s writings promoted peace and harmony and good morals in family life and society in general. The Doctrine of the Mean lines out Confucius’s definition of a state of harmony perfectly reading,
While there are no stirrings of pleasure, anger, sorrow, or joy, the mind may be said to be in the state of Equilibrium. When those feelings have been stirred, and they act in their due degree, there ensues what may be called the state of Harmony. This Equilibrium is the great root from which grow all the human acting’s in the world, and this Harmony is the universal path which they all should pursue. (Confucius)
Confucius was mostly interested in how to bring upon societal order and harmony. He believed that humankind would be in harmony or balance with the universe if everyone understood their position in society and were taught behaviors and responsibilities of their position. He also believed that social order was threatened whenever people failed to act according to their prescribed roles in society. An example of Confucius philosophy on social roles and positions is Filial Piety.
Confucius believed that Filial Piety is necessary for benevolence and is the root to all ethically moral decisions (Chen 2013.) Filial Piety is applicable in social rituals as well family rituals. Within family relationship the husband may be over
At one point in our lives we are all in search of true harmony in many aspects of our lives. For thousands of years and to present day cultures around the world have been in search for harmony in every aspect of the their lives. The Chinese cultures and followers of Confucianism and Taoism have long defined the essence of harmony. Though in many ways they are different I found there is an ultimate goal in both, which is equilibrium in a societal role, piety in all rituals, compassion, and that everyone has a purpose.
Confucius’ view on harmony is honored in China as a great sage of antiquity who’s writings promoted peace and harmony and good morals in family life and society in general. The Doctrine of the Mean lines out Confucius’s definition of a state of harmony perfectly reading,
While there are no stirrings of pleasure, anger, sorrow, or joy, the mind may be said to be in the state of Equilibrium. When those feelings have been stirred, and they act in their due degree, there ensues what may be called the state of Harmony. This Equilibrium is the great root from which grow all the human acting’s in the world, and this Harmony is the universal path which they all should pursue. (Confucius)
Confucius was mostly interested in how to bring upon societal order and harmony. He believed that humankind would be in harmony or balance with the universe if everyone understood their position in society and were taught behaviors and responsibilities of their position. He also believed that social order was threatened whenever people failed to act according to their prescribed roles in society. An example of Confucius philosophy on social roles and positions is Filial Piety.
Confucius believed that Filial Piety is necessary for benevolence and is the root to all ethically moral decisions (Chen 2013.) Filial Piety is applicable in social rituals as well family rituals. Within family relationship the husband may be over
Cited: Confucius, and D. C. Lau. The Analects (Lun Yü). Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1979. Print. Mean. El Paso, TX: El Paso Norte, 2005. Print." Ebrey, Patricia Buckley, ed New York: Free Press, 1993. Print. Revised and Expanded.