Simple Confucianism (Simple Series) [Paperback]

C. Alexander Simpkins (Author), Annellen M. Simpkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2000 | Series: Simple Series

Confucianism has been in practice for thousands of years, but its profound meaning has never been more relevant. A code of behavior, Confucianism offers a structure within which to make personal and interpersonal moral decisions. In this era of global strife, Confucian teachings of cultivating the self and interpersonal relationships, as well as governing with peace, couldn't be more timely. Simple Confucianism teaches the basics of Confucianism and then shows you how to put its tenets into practice in your daily life. Clearly explaining the key concepts, along with a brief yet thorough history, authors Alexander and Annellen Simpkins offer this ancient practice to the minds of modern readers. Living Meditation, Zen Around the World, Meditation from Thought to Action, all published by Tuttle.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Drs. C. Alexander and Annellen Simpkins live in San Diego and are both psychologists who have specialized in studies of the mind. They have devoted many years to the study of hypnosis and have taught meditation skills to people of all ages. They have also spent the past 25 years involved in the martial arts as practitioners, instructors, and writers. They are the authors of Principles of Meditation

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Confucius's Thought

Confucius's thought was not systematic by Western standards, but that was not his goal. He was attempting to set a standard for all subsequent Confucian philosophers in China. He believed in searching inwardly, not in setting out a system to imitate. He had faith that his followers would develop the wisdom for future generations. Truth's implications are not bound by time.

Confucius addressed the problem of the human condition. He emphasized the intimate links between the Way of Heaven and the Way of Earth with the Way of Humanity. He put the world of action in social relationships at the center. Confucians point to everyday life as the focus of meditation to find enlightenment. Confucius said,

I used to devote myself to thinking, doing without food throughout the day and without sleep throughout the night. I found that the practice was without merit; the better way is to learn. (Chang 1957, 13)

Confucian Virtues Nobility is a function of how we live. What we are in character is molded by what we do. Our actions matter and can lead to social harmony, expressed in tradition, honor, and virtue. Confucius distinguished a number of virtues: humanness (jen), filial piety, loyalty, duty, sincerity, righteousness, and propriety. The most central virtue is human-heartedness, jen. This primary quality was interpreted in various ways by the generations that followed Confucius. Jen translates as true personhood, being fully human. The true self is honest, forthright, correct. These qualities are the givens of humanity. All we need to do is to be true, genuine, and sincere, and Confucius taught his students to cultivate these qualities. Virtues are action-oriented, practiced in relationship with others and in relationship to oneself, even when you are alone. To Confucius, human beings use values to guide their lives. Therefore, the wise person does not attempt to separate reality from value. "Is" includes "ought." We act toward others and our actions affect them in positive or negative ways. In the process, our actions assume value to us and others.

To the question often posed in Zen-Is enlightenment sudden or the product of gradual cultivation?-Confucius would answer: continual gradual cultivation. Everyone has the potential for being and living enlightened. But sages continually cultivate the way in everyday life and relationships, lest the light be smothered and dimmed. Immorality and insincerity are not innate. They are learned. So social influences and life's circumstances can guide us down the wrong path. Confucius taught that we can and should always return to our original, good, human nature.

This world as we live it-with our duties, family, responsibilities, and obligations-is the appropriate focus. Shu (reciprocity) expresses the Confucian version of the golden rule, sometimes called the silver rule, to not do to others what you would not have done to you. Ideals are to be found in this world, in everyday life and relationships. By not doing what is imperfect and incorrect, correctness can be found, perfection comes. Jen is a quality to be cultivated in oneself and sought in others.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (June 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804831777
• ISBN-13: 978-0804831772
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,273,570 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare gem on applied Confucianism, May 1, 2001

By 

K. T. Ong (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Simple Confucianism (Simple Series) (Paperback)

Confucianism has all too often been left out from the countless books on Eastern wisdom that flood the book market today, presumably because of the mistaken yet widespread impression that Confucianism was little more than a bunch of dry ethical homilies by a stodgy old man named Confucius. Even among the Chinese themselves today, there is a sad tendency to view Confucianism as outdated and irrelevant. Nothing could be further from the truth -- Confucians actually practice certain forms of meditation not unlike Raja Yoga and have certain very interesting things to say about the nature of the universe, possibly even Confucius himself -- yet most books that discuss these lesser-known aspects of Confucianism tend to be of an academic nature, with limited attention being paid to the application of the teachings to daily life. In this respect SIMPLE CONFUCIANISM is a delightful breakthrough. Not only does it provide the reader with a knowledge of the above mentioned lesser-known side of Confucianism, it also shows you how to apply the many ideas and teachings to your life (including the more obscure ones), and how to explore them. Recommended -- if only as a necessary supplement to SIMPLE TAOISM. Hey, we all need to balance the Yin and the Yang, right? To be sure, the book could have discussed a bit more on the GREAT LEARNING and the DOCTRINE OF THE MEAN, two of the Four Books of Confucianism, as well as further developments of Confucianism since Wang Yang-Ming and into the 20th Century. Still, this book already breaks a lot of new ground, so one should be more charitable towards it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent primer, July 3, 2007

By 

Mr. S. P. Wymer "Valcroix" (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Simple Confucianism (Simple Series) (Paperback)

Simple Confucianism is written clearly and engagingly enough to intice a beginner to learn more about Confucianism. Confucius isn't quoted as much as many other books but after reading Simple Confucianism, it can give someone the drive to seek out more work (such as the Analects) and come up with their own interpretations, based on the conceptual approach offered by Simple Confucianism.

Overall, an excellent start for someone interested in the man and the philosophy, without getting heavy right off the bat.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, April 10, 2007

By 

Richard A. Singer Jr. "Author of Eastern Wisd... (Grand Cayman, British West Indies) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Simple Confucianism (Simple Series) (Paperback)

Incredible book describing confucian concepts and their application to ones life. Must read.