(Photo by Kathy Zhuang on Flickr)
I was reminded about who Confucius was, while I watched the opening ceremony to the Beijing Olympics 2008 last Friday. Despite the many controversies leading up to the Games, the show had proceeded on. Confucianism was highlighted during a segment of the show, which had a giant scroll unrolling on the ground; taking the audience through the many rich aspects of Chinese culture, history and tradition.
I started to recall some of the Confucius teachings I was taught as a child, during Chinese classes in school. Sad to say, since graduation, I have not read his teachings for a long time as my first language has always been English. I mused what better way to revive my interest into the Chinese classics, than to write an article and share with all my readers? With the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony being such a visual treat, I can’t resist but add more photo images (all credited to Kathy Zhuang on Flickr) to my post today. So here goes…
Who was Confucius?
Confucius (September 28, 551 BC - 479 BC) was a Chinese social philosopher, whose teachings are well known for their emphasis on personal and government morality, family values, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. His thoughts became so popular that they had been developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism. Popularity was not confined to China either. It spread to Korea, Japan and Vietnam and was introduced to Europe by Jesuit Matteo Ricci.
In class, we often chanted the term “Confucius Says” just before quoting each saying in Chinese. All in all, he must have made a thousand wise philosophical observations. I am going to pick only 7 for discussion here:
1. Studying Enriches Your Life
Confucius Says “Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.”
Because of his focus on study, Confucius is widely revered as the Greatest Master. Contrary to common beliefs, he was not interested to build a systematic theory of life or develop a formalism of rites. Instead, he inspired his disciples to relentlessly study the outside world, whether members of the poor or elite, and to think deeply for themselves.
Confucius encouraged the love for studying. He had many quotes about learning, telling us that life presents many opportunities for important lessons. He specifically advised not to accept words as they were but to reflect in deep thought for wisdom to arise.
2. Do What You Love
Confucius Says “If you enjoy what you do, you’ll never work another day in your life.”
|
Would you believe that Confucius was the first (or amongst the first) to encourage you to love what you do? Here was a man who must have enjoyed what he did tremendously, to advise you the same.
There is every bit of truth in this saying. Since you spend most of your waking hours working, it will be a pity that you do not love what you are doing. I would further add to this saying: You can expect to shine, only when you begin to feel alive! Alive-ness grows out of Being in Love!
3. Start To Take Action With A Single Step
Confucious Says “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
In my last post on Walk on Water with 7 Magic Stones, I also mentioned this point about taking action. We cannot begin a journey if we do not even take the first step.
This saying is about commitment too. We are not truly committed until we prove it in actions. Remember the quote “Action speaks louder than words”? So if you have been wanting to do something for the longest time, do not wait to take actions. With the very first step you make, it becomes easier to take the second, then the third, and the fourth and so on.
4. Pick Yourself Up Every time You Fall.
Confucius Says “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
|
|
Fear can stop you from ever trying. You start to imagine the worst and predict that you are going to fail even before you start. However, fear is limiting. It stops you from being great or becoming the success that you deserve. Hence, do not allow your fears and worries obstruct your way. Instead, demonstrate every courage in pursuing your dreams.
Still, there may be times when things go astray, even while you hope for the best or ask for divine guidance. You begin to fall. Well, instead of staying on the ground, show tenacity. Stand up to the test. Your turning points are those whereby you learn to pick yourself up against all adversities.
5. Learn Appropriately From Others
Confucius Says “When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inward and examine ourselves.”
We learn by modeling. We look up to others, not because they are wealthy or good looking but more so, by the values they uphold. Confucius defined the values as “gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness”. Regardless, it will be a good idea to decide for yourself what values you wish to emulate and who you can learn from. Having a good role model can inspire you to better yourself.
Of greater significance is the second part of the above saying. When we are confronted with a person who does not uphold good values, what do we often do? We criticize. We mock. We disrespect. Yet, in doing so, we forget to look at ourselves.
6. Do What Your Heart Tells You To
Confucius Says “If, when you look into your own heart, you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about, what is there to fear?”
If you are motivated by pure intentions, then there is really nothing to worry about. Your conscience is clear. You need not fear unnecessarily for you have intended well.
Still, there is no denying that even with good intentions, things may not happen as expected. If your actions inadvertently resulted in mistakes, they are known as foolish actions and not as actions borne out of ill will. Remember: There are no marks awarded for self punishment or harsh judgement!
7. Let Go Of Past Hurts
Confucius Says “To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.”
If someone has done you wrong, do you forgive and let go or do you hang on your hurt? Unfortunately, many of us choose to grieve over the wrongdoing and stubbornly cling on to it. What you perhaps do not realise is that holding on the hurt closes your heart. It does not allow you to love completely. You are just storing anger inside.
I cannot proclaim letting go to be an easy process, especially if you say that the act is a major crime committed against you. The only solution I can offer, in this instance, is that it is best you release your hurt and anger by EFT or the Sedona Method. You do not even need to confront the other party if you don’t want to. With the release, you will be in a much better position to move on.
People Have Come From Afar; How Happy We Are
 |
I sat glued to my TV set last Friday. The opening ceremony to the Beijing Games was awesome! The show was a huge display of China’s historic achievements and success; in a brilliance of lights, sound and color.
In addition to the usual Olympic motto (”One World. One Dream”), the show highlighted one of Confucius sayings: People have come from afar; how happy we are. While we might not have agreed with everything that China has done in the run-up to the Games, the message was clear that night: China wanted to be friends with the world.
There is hope yet for greater world peace and freedom. Let’s also not forget that essentially - We Are One!
Popularity: 8% [?]
Nice post, but I should really get back to pursing saying #1…
I love Confucious says. I have a Confucious says widget that gives me a different saying everyday. Todays is, “If we don’t know life, how can we know death?”
I thought the same thing while watching the opening ceremonies! What a beautiful and awe-inspiring production that was.
Confucious, like many of the ancient philosophers, is worth reading and understanding. Many of their teachings are rooted in simplicity, and send a message much more powerfully than many complex explanations.
@Will, thanks for your feedback!
@Writer Dad, oh wow….you are a better student than me!! I used to learn his sayings in Chinese and with Chinese being more difficult for me, I did not realise that there have been English translations.
@John, I can’t agree more
Evelyn - I love this post at Confucius is one of my favorite philosophers. These are all fabulous quotes but if I have to pick one, I’d pick this, “Confucius Says “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.â€
I have experienced this myself many times in my own life.
-Shilpan
7 Wise Confucius Sayings…
Read what Confucius, a wise philosopher from China, said and how his teachings are still so relevant to today….
Shilpan, it’s not too difficult to guess which will be your favorite Confucius quote! It’s true, isnt it? Experential learning makes us connect with some sayings more than others!
Beautiful pictures, Evelyn, as well as thoughtful sayings.
Isn’t it amazing how truth is always true and doesn’t fade with age? These sayings have been around for centuries and yet are just as fresh today as when Confucius was alive.
Follow your heart! Ah, yes!
What a great way to honor Confucius and China! This is a wonderful list of some of his sayings, and what they mean to you. Number 5 speaks to me, especially the second part about looking at ourselves. It’s so easy and too common for this to occur. And, I believe, unless we know the full circumstances of someone else, who are we to judge.
Hi there Evelyn
Thanks for this - I have somehow managed to not know anything about Confucius - so now I am not so ignorant!
I like the one about loving what you are doing!
@Brennan, I can’t agree more. Confucius sayings are definitely timeless!
@Lance, oh yes…let’s put judgement aside against others or even against ourselves. The idea is just to observe, be aware and learn.
@Robin, there’s always a start
His sayings are so timeless that they are good to review at any age.
My kids are starting to learn some of his teachings now in school. It’s nice to know that they are starting young.
>>Confucious Says “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.â€
Confucious didn’t originate this pearl of wisdom. It’s from the Tao Te Ching.
awesome dear! I printed this out and posted it in my office… so true, so true! love it! love you!!!
Letting go of past hurts is, in a way, against human nature, but is so important and beings so much relief. The Sedona Method sounds interesting. I am going to do some more reading tonight.
@Jenn, thanks for your feedback. I’m slightly overwhelmed that you like it so much!
@Vered, hope you’d find useful what you are intending to read
Great!
When you fall look up!
Simplicity & humility are the virtues which makes life worth living - all great teachers mean this I believe.
Confuciusism is worth living.
Vinay
Evelyn, you add a lovely feminine touch to number 2, Do What You Love. Be in love with what you do, and love what you do, and you will come alive to your own sense of promise and possibility. As a result, you will glow or shine like the goddess (or god) you are when you’re aligned with perfect virtue a la Confucius.
While I do resonate from the heart with much of what Confucius says, I nevertheless feel that the manner in which he expresses it (or is interpreted by others?) is too stiff and formal for the modern taste. Perhaps we would do well to add a little sense of fun to the gravity of what he says.
Otherwise, your post serves to enlighten and inspire. Thank you kindly and sincerely.
- Christopher
Hi Evelyn,
The Beijing Olympics opening ceremony was spectacular, wasn’t it? You know, I chose Buddhist studies in school instead because Confucius studies was only offered in Chinese (then), and my Chinese sucks, LOL! So, thanks for the crash course here … those quotes are awesome.
I really like the way you have analyse things moreover its a realy cool thing you r doing..
@Vinay, oh yes….some people confuse confucianism as a religion. In essence, the teachings is just about a way of living.
@Irene, I was so glad that I rushed home in time to watch it. I didn’t like Chinese classes too but realise on hindsight, that I should have paid more attention. I did okay in school but studied the language just for the sake of passing my exams. It would have been better if I have enjoyed my classes back then. Now, I have to speak it all over again to my kids. Hopefully, practice makes perfect!
@dhanachandra, I can’t agree more that what I’m doing is way “cool”…LOL!! I just love the writing and sharing!! Thanks so much for reading. You, like everyone else on this site, is a valued visitor and reader!!
I enjoy reading KungFu and Sun Tzu. Thanks for this little post. Dugg.
Hi Evelyn,
I agree, the opening ceremony was awesome. I sat there in awe watching it.
I like this: “To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.†That’s a great lesson in the art of forgiveness. Carrying the baggage of the wrongs someone has done against us, only hardens our heart and closes us up to so many possibilities.
Great post with fabulous photos!
I think that #4 is particularly important because in life, you will fall plenty of times. Life challenges your ability to stand up and keep moving forward in pursuit of what you love! And essentially, every day the choice is yours: keep moving forward, or not. I choose to keep moving forward…
I missed the Opening Ceremony because I had a copy writing job to get done and I was so sick that the second I finished I collapse into bed. I completely forgot about the Olympics! As soon as I saw the newspaper the next morning I was so upset. It looked like an amazing spectacular.
I studied some Confucious teachings in Chinese history at school and I was always amazed that so much wisdom could come from one man. I especially like “Learn Appropriately from Others” here. Sometimes we can get so lost in life we forget who we really are. But your surest, easiest guide back to some essence of YOU is to look at who you admire. What qualities do they have? What values? If you could be like them, what would you do?
Another inspiring post, Evelyn. Thanks.
Kelly
Great post and a great resource. It’s amazing how much wisdom is packed into these 7 ideas.
Best regards
Robert
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.†is a concept I often turn to when I want to move forward but the goal seems too overwhelming. I’m all about the baby steps and rewarding myself for each step along the way. A step is a step. I recognize I may trip sometimes and that some of my steps may have flaws, and that I may even take one or two detours along the way. But I still feel alive just knowing I am on the journey.
Evelyn,
The most wonderful thing about the Opening Ceremonies to me is how they blended low tech/high tech, ancient/modern. In doing so, they expanded the entire range of possibilities.
Confuscious would be pleased.
I loved it.
(Thanks for stopping by. )
My favorite Confucianism has always been “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.â€
It is this one saying that holds the key to all success and the only possibility for happniess.
Thanks for sharing these.
@Barbara, it’s great to come to the realisation that carrying baggages are pointless. How “light” we can begin to feel when we decide to drop them all at once!!
@Kelly, I hope you are feeling much better now. Is it possible to catch any re-runs of the event? It’s nice to learn that you studied Chinese history once. I find that awesome!
@Robert, thanks for your feedback!
@Flora, the saying is a Big Favorite of mine too!!
Hi Evelyn: Like Barbara I think my favorite among all of these great sayings is “To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.†I think it highlights how regardless of what goes on around you or what others say or do, you are ultimately in control of your thoughts and of how you feel. To continue to remember an event where someone wronged you is kind of like inviting that person to move into your head, and why would you want to do that? I like how you used the beautiful photographs to accompany the quotes!
A great post, Evelyn.
It looks like we are rediscovering ancient philosophies, especially in the “western world”, where capitalism and consumistic behaviours start to show their feeble pillars.
Countries like India and China are now following this lifestyle, and I am just wondering whether this is a good choice or not.
Regarding the seven says in your article, I deeply love all of them. As a continous learner, my favourite is #1.
Cheers,
Elio
I hadn’t heard this one attributed to him before. Confucius Says “To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.â€
I would add that we also need to forget the wrongs that we have done to ourselves.
Hi Evelyn - great post, and great pics too! I really did enjoy the Olympics opening ceremony, as well as how the Olympics are coming along.
If I had to pick my favorite quote, it would be “Confucius Says ‘Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.’” I think that’s why I like to see the Olympics. I’m a sucker for the underdogs and the comeback athlete stories. I enjoy the story of Dara Torres coming back for one more Olympics.
Hi Evelyn. I didn’t watch the opening ceremonies, so I appreciate you sharing these photographs. Awesome!
In the list of Confucius sayings, #5 speaks to me. Ain’t it the truth…
@Stacey, I hope to do the same in my own journey.
@Janice, hahaha…being the philosopher he was, Confucius would be pleased or wouldn’t he?
@Marelisa, you said “To continue to remember an event where someone wronged you is kind of like inviting that person to move into your head”. The thought sounds morbid but I totally agree!!
@Tom, most certainly, self forgiveness is an excellent idea!
@Al, I’m having a great time watching the Olympics too. I don’t have any hot favorites. I just enjoy the spirit of the Games.
@Davina, do try to catch any reruns if any. It’s worth viewing for its visual effects!
Oh yes…#5 is a favorite of mine too!! I need to look at myself more, before I open my mouth to criticise others.
Hi Evelyn,
Nice post.
Confucious was great philosopher and teacher.
#2,#3,#4,#7 are great teachings to follow.
“A jOURNEY OF Thousand miles starts with one step” is a master piece.
Thanks for sharing.
Best Wishes,
kannan viswagandhi
http://www.growing-self.blogspot.com
[...] will attract abundance into your own life. Also, it’s worth learning from others. Check out this post from Attraction Mind Map for some advice form one of the wisest people who ever [...]
Excellent article, Evelyn. There is a very good reason that Confucius is still so well revered.
I read that it is a basic Confucian principle that it is [a person] that makes a truth great, not truth that makes [a person] great.
peace and wonder,
CG
Thanks Evelyn you’re great!
i love this one
I read that it is a basic Confucian principle that it is [a person] that makes a truth great, not truth that makes [a person] great.
peace and wonder,