Discussion Questions, student responses and one Assignment (paper)

As we discuss Chinese religions, how can the Confucian Virtues, the Dao, and wu wei be used in our daily lives?

Part 1: Please respond to the following:

 Confucius wrote of the “Superior Person,” in which every normal human being cherishes the aspiration to become superior to their own past and present as they set their sights on "perfect virtue."  When the basic Confucian principles and his notion of ren (pp. 207-208) are guided by virtue, relationships should work a certain way.

At the heart of Daoism philosophy is the concept that the universe works harmoniously according to its own ways and we should be in harmony with the universe. The principle underlying our oneness with the Tao is that of wu-wei, or "non-doing." 

Main discussion questions for the week:

Many in America say we have lost our virtues and we are too chaotic.

· Identify and explain at least three (3) aspects of wu wei and Confucian virtues that would be practical in the busy lives of Western city dwellers.

· Then discuss whether you could adopt these practices. Why or why not?

Part 2: Easy Monday Question: answer all week!

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Easy Monday Question!

So, google up sayings of Confucius, choose one (please don't choose the same ones) and tell us why it means something to you.

Part 3: Be sure to respond to at least one (1) other student.

Jamie Evans

RE: Week 4 Discussion Top of Form

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I believe the Confucian virtue of ren would be practical in the busy lives of Western City dwellers. Ren is considered a person that not motivated for their own benefit or personal profit but to do what is moral, not worry about what people think and be mindful of their parents and be an overall a good person. I believe many of the western city dwellers have migrated to be only involved in their selves and what’s better for them and at times rude so I believe Confucius virtues of humanness and faithfulness would be a virtue city dweller would benefit from. The wu-wei concept or state is that you’re in connection with yourself in the aspect that everything you do seems simple and just an every day action. I think this concept would benefit many people in the city. People in the city are usually always busy or stressed out so using this concept could help them just be themselves and create a state of ease for them.

In today’s world and having adapted to how society acts with one another, I think I could try to adapt to these principles but for people in the city they would be hard for them to adhere to. I may have a better chance to adapt to these because I already try and be a good person so it may be easier from the Confucius virtues. The hardest one I would have a problem adapting to would be the wu-wei concept. It’s hard to have that connection with yourself to the point everything  you do is simple and essentially not stressful. Life throws different things at you which I think would complicate trying to adapt to this way of thinking.

Thanks

Jamie Evans

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