What is the human condition?
Taoism and Confucianism revolve around the ideas of good and bad. Each individual decision that is made has its own consequence. The Ying and Yang is a symbol of this religion that show the relationship between nature and the person. Taoism and Confucianism both developed from the Chinese. One of the biggest similarities between the two is that they have no other reincarnations they simply are what they are. In order to have a good life one must make good decisions and will therefore become prosperous. Bad decisions mean bad repercussions. By showing affection for others and for nature one will live a positive life.
What is the solution to this condition?
There are five major points to follow in order to find the solution to the human condition. These points include Jen (Ren), Chun Tzu, Li, Te, and Wen. The first point Jen (Ren) is about making decisions and having good intentions that elad to these decisions. Chun Tzu is how mature a person is. Li takes the form of guidance and direction in which things are done. Te is in regards to power and people in charge and how to have faith in those parties in charge. Lastly, Wen is in reference to the arts and finding peace in those arts. By participating in the arts, inner peace can be achieved and as a result from the peace in arts one can become a higher Confucist.
How do we move from Problem to Solution?
In order to move from the problem to the solution one must follow the five principles and make good decisions. By making good decisions they are able to live in harmony and have peace. Even if they make bad decisions by accepting the consequences is still an example of moving from problem to solution. The solution does not exist in an afterlife because they do not believe in the afterlife so therefore they can move from problem to solution with each of their decisions.
How best to live the solution in our own lives?
The best way to live the solution in our own lives is to follow the Jen (Ren), Chun Tzu, Li, Te, and the Wen. By following these five solutions one is able to live their own solution in their life. Each decision that a person makes in their life has a consequence. Without the afterlife the person must lie out their full life in their physical lifetime. It is very simple, a good person lives a good life and a bad person lives a bad life.
The good thing about having no afterlife is that people can think that they have to live life to its fullest. But, on the other side of that people can believe that they don’t actually have to do good since there is no punishment in the afterlife. In order to get the most out of this religion one must be extremely dedicated and focus on every single decision that they make.
I would love to hear more about the relationship between the afterlife and doing good in this life. How much of this-worldly goodness is motivated by fear of punishment in the next life? What does this say about human nature? Lao Tzu seems to have believed that people, when left alone, would do the right thing. What do you think?
ReplyDelete