The books are Analects and Suzann. In the book Analects Confucius was described to be concerned with behaving morally even when this means enduring hardships and poverty while in Suzann he is a politically motivated figure seeking high office and departing from patrons who do not properly reward him. Confucius principles had a basis in common Chinese tradition and belief. He believed in strong family loyalty, ancestor worship, respect of elders by their children and of husbands by their wives. He is the founder of Confucianism What is the Purpose of Life?
Background of the study It’s hard to move forward when you don’t know where you’re headed or why. The most basic question everyone faces in life is Why am here? Or What is my purpose? Some people believed that we should look within our own desires and dreams to know our purpose of life. For Christian the real meaning and significance of life comes from understanding and fulfilling God’s purposes for putting us on earth. In this study we will know how Confucius views the purpose of life. Significance of the Study Knowing our purpose in life will encourage us to go ahead.
Aside from that it is important to know our means which will help us to reached our destination. Note: The purpose is what we aim to achieve, while the means is owe we try to achieve it. Knowing the answer to our basic question will gives us hope and helps us find peace and joy. Philosopher’s Arguments In the Sang (1600-1046 BC) and Chou (1046-256 80 dynasties, the prevalent concept of “Heaven” was that of a personified god, which influenced Confucius. Generally, however, Confucius regarded “Heaven” as nature.
He said, “Heaven does not speak in words. It speaks through the rotation of the four seasons and the growth of all living things. ” Obviously, Heaven equaled nature, in the eyes of Confucius. Moreover, nature was not a lifeless Achaeans separate from humans; instead, it was the great world of life and the process Of creation Of life. Human life was part and parcel Of nature as a whole. Confucius’ equation of Heaven with the creation of life was an innovative idea in his time. The natural process of life creation was the ‘Way of Heaven. As the natural process of creation of life, Heaven was the source of all living things and the source of all values. This was the “Virtue of Heaven. ” In the natural process of creation of life, Heaven had its inner purpose in creating all things as well as protecting and improving life. Heaven had originated humanity, and humans were obliged to accomplish this purpose. In other words, humans are born with a sense of “heavenly mission,” and this is the meaning of human life. Confucian “Heaven” also had a certain sacred element, which was related to it being the source of life.
Thus Confucius required people to hold Heaven in awe. He says that a person of virtue must “respect his heavenly mission,” listen to and live out the purpose of Heaven by caring for and improving life. Under the influence of Confucius, the ancient Chinese developed a sense of awe and belief in Heaven. As the cost intelligent of all beings, humans should take to heart the purpose of Heaven by cherishing life. If one remained “ignorant and disrespectful of one’s heavenly mission” by killing or maiming life, one would be punished by Heaven.
Confucius said, “He who offends against Heaven has none to whom he Can pray. ” The Confucian respect for and belief in Heaven represented a form of religious spiritualism of the ancient Chinese. Humanism is at the core in Confucianism. That is why the ancient Chinese developed a sense of awe and belief in Heaven. Confucianism has an ethical philosophy that should be recited by all members of society; it is characterized by promotion of virtues, encompassed by the Five Constants, or the Wagging, extrapolated by Confucian scholars during the Han Dynasty.
The five Constants Rene (Humaneness/Benevolence) -It is the first and most important virtue among the Five Constant Virtues. In this virtue, Confucius expressed the idea of the ethic of reciprocity, in which the golden rule, “Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you” became known. Hi (Righteousness or Justice) – involves thinking and acting from one’s own viewpoint. It demands rational action, self-restraint to resist temptation and he fortitude to do one’s duty. Above all righteousness is about preserving one’s integrity.
Lie (Propriety or Etiquette) – the Analects says that the role of Lie is ‘to maintain harmony among people”. The spirit of equality is an essential prerequisite of propriety, especially in relations with unfamiliar persons. Chi (Wisdom) – Wisdom is the innate knowledge by which one judges right and wrong, good and evil. This is necessary in the practice of moral norms, for otherwise one cannot become a person of virtue. In a sense it precedes the others because without wisdom one will have no sense of ethics, or social kills, or even just the plain common sense the other virtues require for guidance.
Sin (Integrity/Fidelity) – Fidelity is honesty. This means that, externally, one’s deeds match one’s words; and that internally one’s words and mind are in unison. Fidelity is a key to the perfection Of human nature. It is the basis without which other virtues lose their authenticity; hence they are inseparTABLE. Fidelity is inherent in a child, but might be lost due to external influences. Opinion For us, people can view their life as having different purposes; it depends on one’s perspective and beliefs. In general we should live life with values and ethics and to be useful as we can be in the society.
