Insights into Chine Culture
Part 1 Wisdom and Beliefs
Unit 1 Confucian Thought on Heaven and Humanity
Homework:
(一）Questions:
1) What is The Analects mainly about?
——The Analects is mainly about Confucius’ words and life story.
2) What is Confucius’ view on Heaven?
——Confucius regarded Heaven as nature.
3) What is Confucius’ innovative idea about Heaven?
—
—Confucius’ innovative idea about Heaven is that Heaven (or nature) is the process of life creation.
4) What does the “heavenly mission” refer to?
——The heavenly mission is to accomplish Heaven’s purpo of protecting and improving life.
5) How is Confucius’ concept of Heaven related to the modern ecological civilization?
——Confucius advocated “ standing in awe of the ordinances of Heaven” and warned against offending Heaven. This is, in esnce, equivalent to the modern idea of staying in harmony with nature. So in this way Confucius’ concept of Heaven is similar to the modern ecological civilization.
6) What is Confucius’ interpretation of ren?
——Confucius interpreted ren as love of people, which begins with the love for one’s parents.
7) According to Confucius, what is the most important part of li?
——According to Confucius, the most important part of li is the burial and ancestral worship rituals.
8) What qualities are “persons of virtue” suppod to have?
——Persons of virtue are suppod to have sound character and uplifted minds and they can shoulder important social responsibilities and make contributions to society.
9) Why do people need to study music according to Confucius?
——According to Confucius, studying music can lift one’s spirit and help one appreciate beauty.
（二）Translation
1）天何言哉？四时行焉，百物生焉，天何言哉？
Heaven does not speak in words. It speaks through the rotation of the four asons and the growth of all living things.
2) 生生之谓易。
Continuous creation of life is change.
3）天地之大德曰生。
The great virtue of Heaven and Earth is creating life.
4）获罪于天，无所禄也。
He who offends against Heaven has none to whom he can pray.
5）仁者，人也，亲亲为大。
The greatest love for people is the love for one’s parents.
6）父母在，不远游，游必有方。
Children should not travel far while their parents are alive. If they have no choice but to do so, they must retain some restraint.
7） 父母之年，不可不知也。一则以喜，一则以惧。
Children should think often of the age of their parents. They should feel happy for the health and longevity of their parents. They should also feel concern for the aging of their parents.
8） 己欲立而立人，己欲达而达人。
While fulfilling one’s own desires, allow others to fulfill theirs.
9） 己所不欲，勿施于人。
Do not do toward others anything you would not want to be done to you.
10）子生三年，然后免于父母之怀。
A child should not leave his parents’ bosom until he is three years old.
11）礼之用，和为贵。
The role of li is to maintain harmony among people.
12）知之者不如好之者，好之者不如乐之者。
Simply knowing the highest standard of virtue is not as good as tting it as one’s goal. Setting it as one’s goal is not as good as enjoying practicing of it.
（三）Careful Reading
1、Read the passage carefully and choo the best answer to each of the following questions.
1)All the following are the titles of Confucius EXCEPT ___B__.
A. an educator B. a biologist C. a scholar D. a philosopher
2)The expression “filial piety” most probably means being __D___.
A. loyal to the state B. obedient to sister(s)
C. responsible D. dutiful to parents
3) Which of the following can best describe Confucius’ view on the relationship between man and nature/Heaven? D
A. Brothers. B. Husband and wife.
C. Doctor and patient. D. Mother and son.
4) Through burial and ancestral worship rituals, people can learn that__B____.
A. nature is lifeless so it will never die
B. individual’s life can be everlasting by joining nature
C. they should be grateful to their parents for giving them lives
D. individual’s lifespan is short, so they should enjoy life as much as possible
5) Which of the following is the most important part of Confucius’ curriculum? C
A. Music. B. Calligraphy C. Virtue D. Mathematics
6) Zi lu, Ran You and Gongxi Chi’s aspirations reprent__D____, while Zeng Dian’s reflects_____.
A. personal ambition; lfishness
B. lofty ideals; meaningless pursuit
C. personal struggle; generous contribution
