Insights into Chinese Culture精选.docVIP

Insights into Chinese CulturePart 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 purpose 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 essence, 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” supposed to have? ——Persons of virtue are supposed 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 seasons 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