This weeks theme feels very familiar to me I was born and raised in a family with Eastern cultural traditions Therefore, the core values of the family background as well as the practical Confucian philosophy are the things that my parents raised my "soul" when I was a child
I especially like to learn about Confucianism because it is closely related to my daily life thoughts in a very practical way Instead of using an approach that cares about the invisible world and mystical spiritual values, Confucianism focuses on the core moral values for human existence In addition Confucius emphasizes cultivating the right ethical behaviours in human or worldly relationships Confucianism is a philosophical system that always attaches importance to benevolence or life ethics, centred on people, and practical teachings that expand individuals thoughts in official practice “Human emotions are given space to express themselves,” highlights the concept of living in harmony within the family, particularly concerning human emotions and their expression According to Confucian teachings, when family members give space for one another to express their emotions and when each person achieves a proper balance and moderation in their emotional responses it leads to harmony within the family When family members allow each other to express their feelings and emotions genuinely, without judgment or repression, it creates an atmosphere of openness, understanding, and empathy
However the concept of "due measure and degree" is equally crucial in Confucian ethics It means that emotions should be expressed within appropriate bounds avoiding extremes and excesses For instance anger is a natural emotion but if it is excessively expressed, it can lead to conflict and harm the harmony within the family On the other hand, too much suppression of emotions may lead to emotional distance and communication barriers In living according to this principle of harmony, family members should strive to strike a balance between expressing their emotions sincerely and managing them appropriately to avoid disruptions in relationships By doing so they create a harmonious environment within the family where each individual feels respected understood and valued
Family is something very sacred There is a saying that is often encouraged when I feel tired: "Home is the place to return to " No matter how difficult life is outside no matter how unfairly you are treated or how your social relationships have deceived you family is still a "tolerant" place for all your mistakes and shortcomings where you are protected by complete love "In Confucian philosophy, the virtue of filial piety is highly essential and esteemed As children, we must fulfill our meaningful duties and act as devoted offspring to those who gave us birth and nurtured us " It involves the act of honouring or remembering deceased loved ones through ancestral worship Ancestral worship is considered a meaningful and sacred practice in Eastern culture In Eastern traditions, every family has a dedicated corner for ancestral worship, viewing it as a sacred space for descendants to remember and come together during special occasions where we can receive blessings from our ancestors
"As an international student like me, it is indeed not easy to leave behind a familiar place like home,' parting with the people I love and have a long-standing bond with, in order to seek better opportunities for personal growth in a foreign environment This decision and sacrifice have cost me and my parents many tears My parents always want the best for me and have been more than willing to open every door for me including the opportunity to study abroad They worked tirelessly to support my expensive living costs I am truly grateful to them for that Because of their support, I have thought deeply about striving to succeed, becoming a useful member of society, and living a purposeful life No parent wishes for anything less than their childs happiness, and each expresses it in different ways I sense this from my parents, and they always remind me to live my life to the fullest no matter what happens I continuously live with joy study diligently and work hard These are all the things I am striving for each day to repay the debt of gratitude for my parents upbringing and fully embody the value of "孝" (filial piety) as mentioned in Confucianism "
Sage of Action
The Pixar film "Bao" is a poignant depiction of human values and explores the intricate dynamics of family relationships, particularly within Eastern culture To be honest, I have watched this film numerous times, and my emotions always surge while watching it In "Bao " we sense the mothers unconditional love for the "bao" (steamed bun) transformed into a living baby boy In the initial scenes, we witness the mothers immense affection and attachment to Bao, accompanying him through every meal, nap, and even everyday playtime The mother's presence is constant throughout Baos life
In one scene (0:42), the mother lovingly feeds Bao when its shape becomes distorted This imagery metaphorically portrays the meticulousness and artistry required to raise a healthy child However as Bao grows and starts exploring the world around him, he begins to feel suffocated by the excessive protectiveness of his mother, preventing him from fully immersing himself in new aspects of life Consequently, Bao decides to leave home and abandon his mother to seek freedom in his own world From the mothers perspective, she wants to journey alongside her child, shielding him from all harm Nevertheless, from the childs perspective, as one enters the age of exploration, the bond with the mother can feel stifling almost suffocating with control
Towards the end of the film, we come to realize that the image of the Bao taking the form of a baby boy was the mother's imagination, driven by her deep longing for her beloved son The absence of her son by her side led the mother to experience the "empty nest syndrome " Thus, the appearance of her son, his girlfriend, and the family coming together to make Bao heal the mothers sense of emptiness Through this connection we can also understand that since birth we have lived in the embrace and protection of our parents As we grow up we become absorbed in our personal relationships and explore new horizons However, there is one thing that we often forget, and our parents are anxiously waiting for us at home They are always ready to open their arms and welcome us back When we grow old, we will feel loneliness, which further emphasizes the importance of caring for and love to the elderly in the family
This precious footage of "home" is what we need in the learning journey of becoming a good person living a morally upright life, and embracing the ethical values deeply ingrained in the family and society This is precisely what Confucianism seeks to convey, bringing forth a meaningful human life
Conversation Starters
2022 AP HUMA SU 1165 9 A EN A ONLN 01: Re: Sages of Action
Kyathi Mehta (via eClass) <myforum@yorku ca> Sat, Jul 22, 2023 at 3:41 PM Reply-To: myforum+AAAAAAAAAAIAAAAAAAFAMAAAAAAAMQbgbB0ltzz2qHaXK0Qf@yorku ca
To: Rachel Le <vyquach1402@gmail.com>
2022 AP HUMA SU 1165 9 A EN A ONLN 01 » Forums » Sages of Action
KM Re: Sages of Action by Kyathi Mehta - Saturday, 22 July 2023, 3:26 PM
Hello Rachel,
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful insights on Confucianism and its relevance to your life, as well as your reflections on the Pixar film "Bao " It's evident that your Eastern cultural background and the values instilled in you by your parents have shaped your perspective on family, filial piety, and the importance of living a morally upright life As someone deeply influenced by Confucianism, how do you navigate cultural differences and potential clashes of values in your interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially while studying abroad?
Your experiences as an international student, leaving behind your home and loved ones to pursue personal growth in a foreign environment, highlight the sacrifices and challenges many individuals face in their quest for self-improvement Your dedication to making your parents proud and repaying their support with hard work and joy in your life's journey demonstrates the value of filial piety in Confucianism How do you see the concept of filial piety evolving as society becomes more globalized and individuals may find themselves separated from their families due to career opportunities or personal choices?
The interpretation of the film "Bao" and its depiction of the intricate dynamics of family relationships, particularly the balance between parental protectiveness and a child's need for independence, is insightful The film's exploration of the mother's "empty nest syndrome" and the eventual reunion with her son showcases the enduring bond and love between parents and their children, as well as the significance of caring for the elderly within the family. In what ways do you think the principles of Confucianism can be applied beyond the scope of family relationships and integrated into broader societal structures to promote harmony and ethical behavior?
Overall, your reflections emphasize the profound impact that family values and Confucian ethics can have on one's personal growth and outlook on life. It's inspiring to see how you connect your cultural heritage and philosophical beliefs to your journey as a good person striving to live a meaningful life
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2022 AP HUMA SU 1165 9 A EN A ONLN 01: Re: Sages of Action
Rachel Le (via eClass) <myforum@yorku ca> Sun, Jul 23, 2023 at 4:26 PM Reply-To: myforum+AAAAAAAAAAIAAAAAAAFAMAAAAAAAMQxEgfgxdcMe0BbJWMXX@yorku ca To: Rachel Le <vyquach1402@gmail.com>
2022 AP HUMA SU 1165 9 A EN A ONLN 01 » Forums » Sages of Action
RL Re: Sages of Action by Rachel Le - Sunday, 23 July 2023, 4:11 PM
Hello Kyathi,
Thanks for your insightful responses to my post on this week's topic.
I'd be glad to answer the questions you've asked to broaden our perspective more comprehensively.
First of all, as someone deeply influenced by the principles of Confucianism in Eastern culture, I cannot deny the initial struggles and mental upheaval I faced during my early months of living here In the process of assimilating into a new culture, I have become acutely aware of the clash of mindsets and perspectives between my native Eastern culture and the Western culture that I need time to adapt to Western culture promotes individualism and open-mindedness, while Eastern culture places emphasis on formality, unity, and a strong sense of ethics. A clear example lies in the concept of individual independence
I have heard many of my Western-minded friends talk about how much they value living independently from their families, finding comfort in it and not feeling obligated to prioritize filial piety as much They even address their parents on equal terms with themselves. They tend to personalize their lives, and for them, living with their parents would hinder their personal growth On the other hand, in Eastern culture, parents greatly value family bonds, enjoying closeness with their children, and relishing the feeling of being surrounded by their loved ones. Moreover, Eastern parents are more inclined to nurture and accompany their children throughout their developmental journey, just like the mother in the movie "Bao " Every step of the children carries the shadows of their parents.
Secondly, looking at it objectively and approaching it with a positive mindset while bridging the gap between these two cultures, I highly value the opportunity to broaden my understanding of the world and myself Personally, I believe that my parents granting me the chance to develop in a new environment is a testament to their openness in allowing me to venture on my own path rather than keeping me close. We will grow up, and then we will also have our own direction The law of life is inevitable, our parents will also age, and they will not be able to accompany us forever I have come to realize that I have grown significantly when living independently without my parents. I can handle everything from the smallest tasks to more significant responsibilities on my own In the past, when living with my mother, I never had to worry about grocery shopping and cooking because everything was meticulously taken care of by her However, living independently, I must pay attention to budgeting daily expenses and learn how to cook the dishes my mother used to make Despite living independently, my heart is still connected to my family. Although my parents and I may be physically distant, I always think of them and keep a place for them in my heart as I continue my journey of personal growth and development In modern society, technology and communication devices have made it easy for us to stay connected. With globalization and increased migration trends, the concept of filial piety may experience some changes and changes in expression As in my case, in my leisure time, I make an effort to call and check on them, updating them about my life to put their minds at ease On special occasions, I can still order flowers or gifts over the phone to show my love to my loved ones at home. In addition, individuals can choose to focus on personal growth, following their career opportunities or passions, without feeling pressured to adhere to traditional family traditions. In these cases, filial piety can be understood in a personal way, meaning respect for the family but also a recognition of individual freedom and choice
This is a value emphasized in Confucianism regarding the ethical foundation within the family. Family serves as the starting point for shaping one's character; even if you may have conflicts with your family, it is essential to remember that they are the starting point of your life. This has been a journey of maturation and self-discovery that I embrace wholeheartedly.
Finally, the principles of Confucianism can be applied and integrated into broader social structures to promote
harmony and ethical behaviour By incorporating values such as filial piety, loyalty, and respect into education, leadership, and human resources management, a society that honors human dignity and fosters cohesion can be built. Even in charitable work, the moral teachings of Confucianism encourage benevolence, empathy, and a compassionate outlook, moving away from criticism and self-centred thinking, and promoting a more compassionate perspective on the world and its people
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AP HUMA SU 1165 9 A EN A ONLN 01: Re: Sages of Action
Mateo Armas (via eClass) <myforum@yorku ca> Sat, Jul 22, 2023 at 5:49 PM Reply-To: myforum+AAAAAAAAAAIAAAAAAAFAMAAAAAAAMQd6cV/a7Wv6nMGUBa+p@yorku ca To: Rachel Le <vyquach1402@gmail.com>
2022 AP HUMA SU 1165 9 A EN A ONLN 01 » Forums » Sages of Action
Re: Sages of Action by Mateo Armas - Saturday, 22 July 2023, 5:33 PM
Hey Rachel, I liked how you mentioned that the main reason why you like Confucianism is because the things it promotes and teaches. Instead of telling that there exists an almighty spectre that we should pay tribute to, it teaches humans to act properly and kindly in their lives. However, as you mentioned, I also think that being extremely kind is not good We should have a good balance of emotions in our lives. Focusing only in one emotion could cause a mental disorder in a person
Finally, about your current present, I also felt identified with the film “Bao” because it represents the pain that parent’s go though when their children are growing up. However, this pain is necessary in life because it means that their children are doing what they like to do in life
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RL Re: Sages of Action
by Rachel Le - Sunday, 23 July 2023, 5:22 PM
Hello Mateo, Thank you for your interest in my post. I appreciate the personal views that you have raised before.
However, I
would like to clarify my point of view so that you can see it objectively and comprehensively. In Confucian philosophy, emphasizing the practice of moral virtues leads to a more meaningful life for individuals and society as a whole In my article, I highlight the significance of filial piety as a foundation within the family, which serves as a stepping stone to develop other positive personal qualities. I believe kindness is a commendable virtue that should be encouraged Even if we show excessive kindness, it aligns with the purpose of Confucian teachings, which is to practice benevolence and use it to empathize with all sentient beings.
An example from a TikTok video illustrates this point The true story occurred during a trial in Miami, USA, where the judge and the defendant were childhood friends. Facing the courtroom, Judge Mindy Glazer asked Arthur Booth, the person being questioned, if he had attended Nautilus Middle School together At that moment, Booth couldn't contain his emotions and burst into tears, experiencing surprise, astonishment, joy, and sadness all at once He probably never expected to find himself in such a situation
In the judge's memory, 49-year-old Booth was a well-behaved and intelligent student at Nautilus Middle School He was friendly, cheerful, bright and used to hang out with Glazer and their friends. Meeting each other in a courtroom, with one person being a judge and the other a criminal, was undoubtedly not what these childhood friends had anticipated After ten months in jail, Booth was released, and Judge Mindy Glazer was there to greet him Upon seeing him again, she offered sincere encouragement and hope for a fresh start, saying, "Take care of your family and find a job, live an honest life," Glazer told Booth "You need to do something good for everyone around you."
Kindness has moved a person back to life, giving them a better and more meaningful life purpose, so why do you make the point that excessive heart pushes people into emotional imbalances that lead to psychosis? A prisoner stuck in sin without receiving respect or kindness from society, emotional turmoil and even agitation will increase inside them. The value of giving is not receiving in return. Therefore, showing kindness comes from our good conscience without seeking results.
On the other hand, I have a contrasting view with the perspective that "the pain parents endure as their children grow up is necessary for life because it means their children are doing what they want in life " Being born and raised in a traditional Eastern family, I deeply value family values, so your viewpoint somehow different from mine. Parents must indeed accept the growth of their children and strive to approach the concept of individual independence to better contribute to their future development However, we cannot consider this as the pain of parents. The values of family and filial piety emphasized in Confucianism must be nurtured from both sides. Parents have devoted much time, effort, and resources to promote and invest in us, so we cannot take it for granted We also need to take action to show our gratitude and repay our parents, even through simple gestures like making a phone call or expressing love and encouragement
We cannot trade a life we love and see it as something parents should accept. We need to learn how to harmonize family relationships. Genuine love, attentive listening, and sincere support from parents can help children develop and pursue their passions in life without causing harm to their parents. Conversely, children should embrace parental teachings as a reference, understand parents' difficulties and sacrifices, and strive to grow and mature in their decisions and actions. This builds trust in parents and reciprocates their love positively. Show parent | Reply See this post in context
