Tag Archive for: understand

Confucius Analects – 3 Levels of Practice

12/11/2012

Last week we finished our discussion on study. This week we start our discussion on practice. Practice is the application of knowledge in life. in Chinese practice is (修行）, which includes study and application. Alongside with our ongoing study, let see what Confucius and his students had to say on how to practice, and how to integrate teachings into their lives.

6.1 Three levels of cultivation: knowing, loving, enjoying

子曰、知之者、不如好之者、好之者、不如樂之者。

The Master said, ‘They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and they who love it are not equal to those who delight in it.’

* * *

This chapter presents the 3 major stages of practice. One

1) knows about the truth (intellectual)

2) loves it (feeling)

3) delights in it (awareness)

The first stage one find interest in exploring the truth, and seek to know about it thoroughly. In second stage after understanding, one sees its value, feels the effect, and loves the truth. Finally, with practice and dedication, one realizes the wholeness of the practice, fully integrates in ones life, and therefore delights in it.

These 3 stages of practice could be applied to any topic of interest. For example in meditation, beginning students seek to understand the what-about and how-to of meditation. Intermediate students see and feel the value and love it. Advanced students is in meditative state all the time and is therefore at one with the internal joy of it.

Which stage of practice are you in?

5 Comments/in Chinese Philosophy, Confucianism, Online Class, Spiritual Cultivation /by Derek

Confucius Analects – seek to understand

09/25/2012

1.7 Seek to understand others

子曰、不患人之不己知、患不知人也。

The Master said, ‘I will not be afflicted at men’s not knowing me; I will be afflicted that I do not know men.’

-> With our diverse backgrounds and goals, we act, think, and behave differently. It is normal that we don’t understand others very well. Therefore, do not grieve on other’s not understanding us, instead, seeks to understand ourselves and others.

4.3 Expect from oneself, not from others (status, being known)

子曰、不患無位、患所以立、不患莫己知、求為可知也。

The Master said, ‘A man should say, I am not concerned that I have no place, I am concerned how I may fit myself for one. I am not concerned that I am not known, I seek to be worthy to be known.’

-> Instead of blaming others and the society for not giving a position to you, take responsibility and seek to fit in to the existing world. Do not grieve on not being know by many, instead seek to be a worthy person to be known.

* * *

Discussion:

Are you well understood by others? Do you seek to be understood? With his life-long experience in human relationship and dynamics, Confucius shared that it is a luxury to be understood, do not expect it. Instead, work hard to understand others, and to be a worthy person to be understood. Instead of expecting something from the external (other’s understanding), which is beyond our control; work on our internal (understand others), which is achievable.

0 Comments/in Chinese Philosophy, Confucianism, Online Class, Spiritual Cultivation /by Derek