Religion 212 - Discussion Four - Week 4

Actionless Action (Daosim) and the Practice of Virtue (Confucianism)

Identify and explain at least three aspects of wu wei (non-doing) that would be practical in the busy lives of city dwellers, especially those living in the West. Provide a rationale for your response.

Three aspects of wu wei (non-doing) that would be practical in the busy lives of city dwellers, especially those living in the West consist of the process of letting things stands as they are and be accepting of those things that cannot be changed. Secondly, the natural course of or flow of things is as kismet and destiny – it cannot be changed, halted or deceived. Thirdly, preservation of life as it entails is as non-interference of flow and harmony as in the follows of Dao. The compelling complication is as similar as our nature of originality but without chaos. Therefore, the desirability of a trouble-free life of restructure compels the withdrawal from chaotic disorder and merge with a life of equanimity.

Further this approach is synonymous with peace, stability, contentment, release of stress and preparer for action when needed and establishment of identity with self and the universe. Also, being amiable with a level of acceptance allows a state of inner bliss, satisfaction and mediation with self. As quoted for many years “What will be will be” allows so many benefits that contribute to the reassertion and correction of any problem peacefully and without concentrated effort.

Briefly discuss the pros and cons of Confucian Virtue Ethics. How could these possibly help/harm society?

The Pros and Cons of Confucian Virtue Ethics is as follows:

PROS

Cultivation of moral values and high moral character
Interaction between human rulers and Heaven
Political involvement to transform world
Developing a just and orderly society
No major divisions between mind and matter, utopian ideas and everyday life (correlation between the states of mind, matter and idealistic hope and daily life)
The retainership of ren (humanity and benevolence)
Peace is established by maintaining a moral cultivation of the individual and order in the family
Rulers are encouraged to rule by being exemplified with virtue
Belief in the inherent goodness of nature
Obtaining the state of humbleness
Confucian values are attributed as an addition to holistic education

CONS

Not considered a religion in China
Lack of reception and overall adoption as a religious base
That humans are naturally flawed
Thought of as old ideas, customs, culture and habits

Based upon the listed pros of Confucian Virtue Ethics these self-evolving states of being can only improve society and help facilitate good correct conduct. As such, this state of correctness in society will decrease chaos and reestablish order within an individual first then the masses.

Further the instilling and imbedding of deliberate cultivation of moral virtues and changes within to obtain high moral character will facilitate and stabilize chaotic extremes in society. Also, this example of good morality and virtue is what causes emulation because of favorable light and peace within that signifies a successful beneficial life. Humanness and kindness is enabled and relayed in support of fellow humans because of the belief that all are good even though we are flawed.

The Cons that are associated with Confucian Virtue Ethics is that the thought that has been conceptualize is that Confucianism is not considered a religion that is practiced and is allowable in China. But as an alternator in behavioral changes it is a good facilitator to assist but if not utilized, practiced and taught then it cannot help any chaotic changes in assimilated behavioral changes that has been influenced by Westerners. Further because of the perception that this religious sect is thought of as obsolete with old ideas, customs, culture and habits and that humans are naturally flawed this causes a misinterpretation of its ability to initiate and advance changes in human behavior to more or less rid the influence that have caused the flaws in humans and renew or change back to state of originality prior to the influx of less than desirable characteristics that have been assimilated.

List of Pro and Cons compiled and established by reference to book “Living Religions written by Mary Pat Fisher”.

Identify and explain at least two of the main differences between Daoism and Confucianism.

Daoism and Confucianism serves as complements to each other and both are enabled to be active together and that virtue is a significant part of both religions and worship. Two of the main differences between the two are is that with Daoism the study of humans and nature is done systematically to allow a chance to change course and affect cosmos. This allows a give and take scenario to occur and as known what is changed facilitate what is replaced and modified. But with Confucianism the way of changes is more facilitatory towards establishing moralistic ways and political ways or changes.

Daoism is a paradox concerned with harmony and complicated whereas Confucianism is more simplistic and involves inner changes with the goal to achieve junzi the height of moral virtue and interaction between rulers and Heaven.

http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/what+will+be%2c+will+be

Response to Professor

Of the two religions, Confucianism provides the best philosophy or orientation towards being a student and being successful in school because it is conductive and stresses honesty. Further since learning is a huge segment in a student's development this allows the ability to facilitate inner changes that are moralistic, corrective and beneficial to inner correctness. The purpose of being a student is to be open minded and be receptive to change and evolving self positively.

Thank you.

Felicia

Response to Co-Student

I agree that wu wei is evidentially a state of mental equilibrium signifying great focus and effortless flow. Three aspects that you listed happiness, nothing is evil and the world is in natural harmony are all factors that cannot be directly controlled but come into play naturally and changes as variables do without the need for concentrated effort.

Pros and Cons are effective because as a person examines them in analysis it helps because it facilitates strength and change and evolution.

Also, I agree with your points regarding Daoism and Confucianism. Between the two a person can do mental and physical changes that are effectively wonderful. A new person evolves and become.

Thank you.

Felicia