Student A: As far as I know, Confucius teaches only ethics and morality. What's the purpose of practicing these code of conducts? To be a good person? For what? It seems that the reward system is missing: there's no god or karma to punish us, no heaven or nirvana to aspire to. Why should I even bother?
Teacher: Good question! Straight to the point. Teaching rules of conduct is not the main purpose of Confucius, the essence of his teachings is how to live our lives. It's because most people dont know how to live that they created some much problems for themselves and others. For now, let's just say that if you learn the art of living, you'll be able to find "happiness".
Student A: You mean just by being well behaved I can find happiness? I just don't see how this could happen?
Teacher: Everyone wants to be happy, most people practice a religion or teaching to look for happiness. Some prayed and found happiness through god, some meditated and found happiness through insight. Let's say Confucianism is a social way for achieving happiness. You find happiness through skillful interactions with the world around you.
Student B: Is Confucianism compatible with Taoism? from what I heard it seems that the two teachings are totally opposite. The Taoists are carefree and unconventional while the Confucianists are strict and formal.
Teacher: Some people had a wrong idea of Confucius. Even from the first verse of Lunyu, you can see that he's a jovial person who appreciated life and capable of great affection. The Taoist mainly seek to harmonized themselves with the energy of the universe, to conserve and cultivate these energy and reestablish their connection with Dao. From the Confucian point of view, to know the art of living means knowing how to make best use of our energy - through proper state of mind and behavior.
Student C: In Buddhism one tries to accumulate merit, in Toaism one conserve energy, in theistic religions one tries to obtain god's goodwill. What does a Confucianist try to amass?
Teacher: If you want to look at it that way then one who wants to find happiness through social actions tries to amass Dé (德)
Student C: What's that?
Teacher: In short it means virtue but you'll see more of it in Lunyu as we progress further.
Student B: Is it the De in Dao De Jing (道德經)?
Teacher: Yes, that right. You know Dao De Jing? Good, then you should be able to understand a lot of things Confucius said.
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