User:Kateeb333

Concept of Understanding/Relationship to other Ancient Texts[edit | edit source]
Understanding (zhi) is a concept used throughout the text. It indicates not just knowledge but also awareness and appreciation for something. Understanding is emphasized as an important characteristic of leaders and those serving in government. Understanding is obtained through studying and learning but also through past experience and reflection to create a better future. It is presented as a moral obligation that humans must strive towards in order to truly uphold moral principles.

Understanding is not just a concept included in the Analectsː


 * 1) In the Handbook of Epictetus, listened in section 29, "for each action, consider what leads up to it and what follows it, and approach it in the light of that... just you consider, as a human being, what sort of thing it is; then inspect your own nature and whether you can bear it." The text pushes the similar message of self-reflection and pondering situations from all sides. This message is very similar to the theme of understanding included in the Analects. Similarly this text has a desired audience one that is only applicable to certain types of people at this time, including affluent and powerful individuals.
 * 2) While not directly addressed, as the example above, in the Teaching of Amenemope, many of the principles of the concept of understanding is addressed. Awareness of the impacts of those around you are addressed in Chapter 9 and 10. "His lips are sweet, his tongue is bitter. A fire burns in his belly. Don't leap to join such a one, lest a terror carry you away. (Chapter 9)." "Don't force yourself to greet the heated man, for then you injure your own heart.... Do no sever your heart from your tongue" (Chapter 10). Both of these examples highlight a key principle, be aware of those around you and be aware of your role in contributing to negativity. This awareness is the root of all understanding, as each individual should not just be a viewer, they should view and work to contribute following reflection.
 * 3) In the text of Plato, during the first section, Euthyphro, the concept of understanding is put into practice. Socrates spends the majority of the time, using question-answer formats, to have a discussion with Euthyphro about piety. They produce points about their opinions, think critically, and counter the other person's arguments. While Euthyphro leaves before the two can truly come to a conclusion, this most likely ties into the idea that understanding is at the core ambiguous. There isn't a right answer, only time and added perspective and thought will further one's understanding.
 * 4) Lastly in the Bhagvaad-Gita, this concept is again addressed.
 * 5) The lack of understandingː "Driven by desire, they strive after heaven and contrive to win power and delights, obsessed with power and delights, their reason list in words, they do not find in contemplation this understanding of inner resolve" (pg. 38, Lines 43-44). This point addresses a key component of understandingː the intention. We can often find ourselves pursuing the wrong intentions that steer us away from growth and added perspective with though and instead encourages a shallow lifestyle with misguided intentions. Similar to a Buddhist perspective, the focus on worldly goods and accomplishes only carries one's soul so far, and they must find the understanding in order to break the cycle of rebirth.
 * 6) In applicationː "Be intent on action, not on the fruits of action; avoid attraction to the fruits and attachment to inaction Preform actions, firm in discipline, relinquishing attachment; be impartial to failure and success - this equanimity is called discipline... Disciplined by understanding, one abandons both good and evil deeds; so arm yourself for discipline - discipline is skill in actions." (Page 38, Lines 47, 50) Similar again to Buddhist principles, they focus on the action/journey rather than the landing spot/physical goal.
 * 7) What does a man of understanding look like?ː When he gives up desires in his mind, is content with the self within himself, then he is said to be a man whose insight is sure...When understanding does not disturb his mind, when his craving for pleasures has vanished, when attraction, fear and anger are gone... but a man of inner strength whose sense experience objects without hatred, in self-control, finds serenity. In serenity, all his sorrows dissolve; his reason becomes serene, his understanding sure." (page, 39-41, Lines 55, 56, 64, 65)

Ambiguous Concepts[edit | edit source]
There are components of this theme that remain ambiguous. While points are provided to help guide readers, the true defined path toward understanding remains unaddressed. There is much unanswered that historical records provide clarity for, such as how this concept is meant within the ancient context. However transferring this concept into today's terms while still maintaining it's meaning is left up to the readers, leaving much to be ambiguous in the process. It is clear however key components of morality are linked to the practice of understanding.

This can also be observed in Buddhist teachings, as the Buddha emphasized the use of the Eightfold path and the journey towards understanding rather than such an emphasis on what it meant to be enlightened.

Examples from Text[edit | edit source]

 * Every day I examine my character in three respects: am I disloyal in my designs for others, am I untrustworthy in my dealings with friends, have I failed to practice what has been passed on to me?" (Book 1, Line 4)
 * "If he commits a fault, he should not shrink away from correcting it." (Book 1, Line 8)
 * "See how he operates, observe what path he follows, examine what he is satisfied with, and how can a man remain inscrutable" (Book 2, Line 10)
 * "He puts his sayings into action before adopting them as guidelines." (Book 2, Line 13)
 * "Shall I teach you about understanding something? When you understand something, to recognize that you understanding it; but when you do not understand something, to recognize that you do not understand it-that is understanding" *(Book 2, Line 17)
 * "If you hear much but omit doubtful points and speak cautiously about the rest of it, then you will seldom be to blame. If you see much but omit what is dangerous and cautiously put into practice the rest of it, then you will seldom feel regret." (Book 2, Line 18)
 * (Book 7 Line 1)
 * (Book 9, Line 2)
 * (Book 9, Line 5)
 * (Book 11, Line 12)
 * (Book 15, Line 17)
 * (Book 16, Line 9)
 * (Book 17, Line 7)
 * (Book 17, Line 22)
 * (Book 18, Line 6)
 * (Book 19, Line 5)
 * (Book 19 Line 25)

Confucius Worldview/Ancient Worldview[edit | edit source]
The Confucius worldview was mainly based on harmony promoted by a strict moral code. This moral code defined how government should function and the philosophy regarding the relationship between government and the citizen. Understanding is a crucial component of this worldview, as devotion to learning was a key component of maintaining societal harmony. If one does not participate in understanding, they also are not upholding morality. Furthermore the role of government was extremely important and was extensively philosophically analyzed by scholars. One of the largest component of a functioning government is an effective leader, one is who is dedicated to greater understanding to best care for the society. A key component of the Confucius worldview was the idea of trickling down morality, leadership must be moral for a healthy society. This is extremely relevant in various ancient worldviews as well, including the value of higher thought encouraged in Buddhism and Hinduism.

Relevancy of Modern Worldview
My modern interpretation of the concept of understanding is upheld through practices of self-refection and self-care. Choosing to not just experience, but to reflect while experiencing, is the moral choice. When one does not reflect and grow from one's experiences, they pass this energy to those they interact with. Passing this energy, whether it is in the form of inspiring citizens as a leader or in day to day actions is immoral as you are not completing your humane duty to reflect and grow. This spreads increased negativity and therefore in many cases can have extreme ripple effects throughout a community, especially when understanding is not upheld as an important principle by leaders of society. (modern day politics/influencer culture)

Explicit discussion of what Confucius’s worldview is, and how it might be characteristic of the ancient worldview in general
Hi my name is Kate Beisner (she/her). I am a student at UNCA. I plan to major in psychology and am also interested in art and design.