Confucius Teachings applicable Today
By Rose Salas
孔子教义适用于今天
孔子的教义今天仍然有价值吗？
孔子的哲学与我们的日常生活密切相关，他的哲学通过彼此尊重和谐的关系以及自我的完善来反映人性。以下是今天仍然适用的5种孔子教义：
1.黄金法则
孔子的此哲学在全世界都是众所周知的。它也被称为“己所不欲，勿施于人”。
2.学习的本质
孔子被称为一个热爱学习的哲学领袖。 他认为，教育是道德和自我完善的关键之一。好学近乎知，“力行近乎仁，知耻近乎勇”。
3.自我提升
自我提升的一个主要关键特征是找到合适的教师和学习来源。“三人行，必有我师焉；择其善者而从之，其不善者而改之”。
4. 始于家庭
孔子认为家庭是关系的缩影。
5. 愤怒不是答案
孔子认为，愤怒永远不是任何冲突的答案，这就是为什么他引用“言寡尤,行寡悔”。
In each era and dynasty, there will always be people who will leave their mark into history. Confucius has made a great impact to our nation until today. Kong Qui or K’ung Fu-tzu was a Chinese philosopher, teacher and political figure. He was well known for his teachings, which are preserved by his students known as the Analects. Most of his teachings were deemed as the model of ethical teachings that focuses on educating people about social and moral values, self-cultivation, and family ethics.
Confucianism is not viewed as a new religion, but instead, a philosophical worldview that focuses on respect, love, humanity and self-discipline. It doesn’t exclude itself as a religion with separate liturgical specialist, but as a part of society’s people and everyday life. Its influences still remained and continuously influence other philosophies until these days.
What are Confucius’ teachings that are still valuable today?
Confucius’ philosophies are closely linked with our everyday life, which seems trivial - mostly neglected due to its familiarity. His philosophy reflects humanness through a respectful and harmonious relationship with one another and self-improvement. The following are 5 teachings of Confucius that are still applicable today:
1. The Golden Rule
This philosophy of Confucius is known worldwide that promotes the principle of love for one another. It is also known as “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others”. This entails the people to respects other’s feeling by putting yourself in another’s shoes. This enables a person to think twice before they act. Keeping this in mind, we are always reminded to show kindness at all times.
2. The Essence of Learning
Confucius is known as a philosophical leader who loves to learn. He believes that education is one of the keys to moral and self-improvement. "To be fond of learning is to be near to knowledge. To practice with vigor is to be near to magnanimity." This is one of his sayings that promotes learning, but at the same time, warns against hoarding information from mere memorization. He believes that true learning doesn’t just involve knowing the information and facts; but to develop your own ideas and explore new things through acquisition of new ideas. Knowledge always brings wisdom.
3. Self-Improvement
One of the main key features of self-improvement is finding the proper teacher and source of learning. “When I walk along with two others, they may serve me as my teachers. I will select their good qualities and follow them, their bad qualities and avoid them.” This describes that anyone can be your teacher- that there is always someone better than us who could guide and ingrain us with good habits. Confucius reminds us to learn from people with good character, and follow their example at the same time. Moreover, evaluating ourselves from time to time is essential to avoid developing bad traits that can ruin our whole character.
4. It starts at home
Our culture is known for its filial piety and its virtue of being a good family member. Confucius saw that the family is the epitome of relationship. “The strength of a nation is derived from the integrity of its homes”. Confucius believed that for a nation to attain peace and harmony, a family, who serve each other right, with respect and wisdom, will truly affect each other. They will serve as a role model; who, in turn, would continuously affect the society, and will contribute to the betterment of the nation.
5. Anger is not the answer
Confucius believes that anger is never the answer to any conflict. That is why he quoted “When anger arises, think of the consequences.” This reflects that an action driven by anger will never be correct and will only cause more trouble. It tells you that when angry, never jump to impulsiveness, but instead, calmly assess the situation and think of a proper action.
These teachings are very practical and necessary to remember to improve our way of life. Not only that it will develop and mold a good character in us; but also it will give us inner peace and calmness. Many people nowadays can be driven and inspired by many life mantras. However, if you want to go down the basics, Confucius had given a true wisdom that will benefit you throughout your lifetime!
