Actively desire and seek ‘Ren’ (humanness, benevolence, goodness), as it leads to inner peace, freedom from anxiety, and the ability to endure adversity without being upset. A ‘Ren’ person helps others achieve their goals and stand firm, mirroring their own desires, recognizing mutual interdependence.
Approach all rituals, from daily interactions to formal ceremonies, with an attitude of ‘Ren’ (humanness, benevolence, and concern for self and other). Rituals without this genuine attitude are seen as inhumane and ineffective, merely dead rules.
Actively engage in self-cultivation to become a better person, recognizing it is a continuous process that requires significant effort. This cultivation should aim not only for personal growth but also to bring peace and security to others and society.
Recognize the profound power of rituals, both small and large, in fostering social connection, community, and a sense of order. Engage in these established behaviors to reduce decision fatigue and enhance overall well-being.
Employ rituals to cope with grief after traumatic events, strengthen family bonds, deepen commitment in partnerships, and improve team performance. Rituals can also restore a sense of control and order when life feels chaotic.
When guiding others (e.g., as a leader or parent), govern through established rituals and shared expectations rather than relying solely on punishment. This approach fosters a sense of shame and encourages self-governance.
Practice ‘Confucian magic’ by consciously using your own behavior to bring out desired good behavior in others. This ability to influence others positively through your actions is considered a virtue.
Within social contexts, fulfill the expected ‘right behavior’ associated with your role (e.g., parent, child, teacher, student). This adherence to established ways of acting contributes to societal order and effectiveness.
Pursue learning primarily for the sake of developing oneself, rather than solely for external rewards like grades, attention, or career advancement. This ‘highest form of learning’ is central to personal growth and self-cultivation.
While broadening your knowledge, ensure that learning is ’tied together’ and ‘constrained with ritual’ and a unifying principle like ‘Ren.’ This integration prevents knowledge from being merely accumulated facts and makes it meaningful and effective for life.
Regularly assess your actions and intentions to determine if you are ‘on the way’ (Tao) of self-cultivation and right living. Acknowledge that staying on this path requires continuous hard work and self-correction.
When learning, actively seek to understand beyond what is explicitly taught. If a teacher ’lifts up one corner,’ strive to ‘come back with the other three’ to demonstrate commitment and achieve true comprehension.
Engage in learning about other cultures and people with the fundamental goal of fostering care and understanding. Avoid learning solely for self-serving, competitive, or power-related reasons.