The Teachings of Confucius and Dao
Confucius stressed that a harmonious society can be created through the practice of Li. Discuss how this is possible by using the Five Relationships concepts.
What is the Five Relationships? * In Confucianism, it’s between superior and inferior person. They are ruler – subject, husband – wife, father – son, older brother – younger brother, and elder friend – younger friend. * Each has a formal responsibility to carry out toward the other. The husband has responsibility for li toward his wife as she has an obligation for li toward him. The family is formally structured among males. * Friendships outside the family are ritually governed. * Relationship between ruler and subject entail obligations on each side. * Younger people learn from their elders and the elders learn from observing the junzi.
In summary, there are five distinctive qualities or virtues in the junzi. (1) Humans exert their uprightness regardless of outward circumstances. (2) Humans are magnanimous, expressing forgiveness toward others. Humans are not to be ruled by laws but follow an internal principle. (3) Humans are sincere in speech and action and are not a mouthpiece for hire. Their world is their bond. (4) Humans are earnest. They want to be rather than seem to be. Genuine good work replaces the mere appearance of it (5) Humans are benevolent, always generous in their relationship with people.
Why Confucius think education is important? * Li present as the principle of harmony that should rule the home, the society and the empire. Li has to do with ritual, the correct formal way to behave in religious rites or in court ceremonies. * Li applied to the naturally good human being yield yi, which is the personalization of Li. * Yi is internalized Li. When humans internalize the rites, selfishness is overcome and benevolence takes its place. They act on what is appropriate to themselves and to their position in society. They attain the
What is the Five Relationships? * In Confucianism, it’s between superior and inferior person. They are ruler – subject, husband – wife, father – son, older brother – younger brother, and elder friend – younger friend. * Each has a formal responsibility to carry out toward the other. The husband has responsibility for li toward his wife as she has an obligation for li toward him. The family is formally structured among males. * Friendships outside the family are ritually governed. * Relationship between ruler and subject entail obligations on each side. * Younger people learn from their elders and the elders learn from observing the junzi.
In summary, there are five distinctive qualities or virtues in the junzi. (1) Humans exert their uprightness regardless of outward circumstances. (2) Humans are magnanimous, expressing forgiveness toward others. Humans are not to be ruled by laws but follow an internal principle. (3) Humans are sincere in speech and action and are not a mouthpiece for hire. Their world is their bond. (4) Humans are earnest. They want to be rather than seem to be. Genuine good work replaces the mere appearance of it (5) Humans are benevolent, always generous in their relationship with people.
Why Confucius think education is important? * Li present as the principle of harmony that should rule the home, the society and the empire. Li has to do with ritual, the correct formal way to behave in religious rites or in court ceremonies. * Li applied to the naturally good human being yield yi, which is the personalization of Li. * Yi is internalized Li. When humans internalize the rites, selfishness is overcome and benevolence takes its place. They act on what is appropriate to themselves and to their position in society. They attain the