(written in 2002)
I found one thing very interesting after reading Confucius’ “Analects,” a collection of sayings, quotations, and anecdotes, recorded by his disciples, regarding rites or rituals, righteousness, relationships, benevolence toward others, keeping order in relationships and in the state, among other things. As I meditated on the message of this book, I asked myself, “What is the most important thing in our lives?” In a word, it would probably be love or benevolence. Both in the Eastern and in the Western world, love is regarded as the greatest virtue and value of everything. Even unbelievers are familiar with the fact that Jesus Christ emphasized “love” as the basic principle of all our behavior, the answer to every question, and a dynamic driving force.
In the same way, “Analects” often mentions benevolence as the fundamental essence and virtue in human relationships. In fact, the concept of 仁 can be translated as benevolence, love, mercy, compassion, charity, gentleness, pity, and kind-heartedness, among other things. A life built on benevolence is filled with docility, kindness, goodness, courage, humility, filial piety, loyalty, faith, and righteousness. 仁 is best expressed as faithfulness or loyalty and forgiveness or reconciliation, and it is confirmed through the three bonds (三綱) and the five moral rules in human relations (五倫).
A person of virtue is inclined to work hard to attain the essence of life, for the truth comes into being when the essence is firmly established. And the essence of life can be captured by the word benevolence. Confucius said, "If a person is not benevolent, what is the use of civility (order, rule, standards)? If a person is not benevolent, what is the use of music?" (3-3) "If a person of virtue gives up benevolence, how can he realize his name?" (4-5) As we can see in these quotations, Confucius gave a new meaning to rituals, and that new meaning is the concept of benevolence, constantly causing a new vitality or new life to rituals. "What is benevolence? It is to love people. What is knowledge? It is to know people." (12-22) Here again, Confucius defines benevolence as the love of people. At the same time, true knowledge is knowing people well.
The virtue of benevolence is important because it is the basic attitude in the relationship between two persons. Nobody will deny the fact that love is the basic element underlying our hearts. Benevolence or love makes something true and meaningful _ it gives a special sense or meaning to every existence. Without benevolence, nothing will exist to the fullest.
Confucius’ concept of benevolence is very similar to that of St. Paul, who said, “I may be able to speak the language of men and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains _ but if I have no love, I am nothing. I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burnt _ but if I have no love, this does me no good.” (1Cor. 13:1-3) It's very clear that Confucius’ concept of benevolence and St. Paul’s concept of love have something in common. Truly, love is the basic attitude or foundation of everything.
Especially in the age of postmodernism or the New Age, many people are eager to enjoy their present moments and realize their own individual dreams. Self-realization is more important than interdependence or interrelationship. There was time for me also to be rather individualistic and self-centered so I didn't care much about interdependence or mutual help. However, I have begun to have a new vision of caring for broader human relationships. And I had the chance to take a course titled “Eco-theology” when I attended the Religious Theological Institute.
Step by step, I was awakened to examine my egoism and tried to come out of the selfish cave, so I could gradually appreciate the beauty of interdependence and interrelationship for the sake of proclaiming higher values. It is a surprising experience to find something in common between different thoughts and ideas. Love is surely the most common aspect throughout the world. Almost everybody, in every field, and every culture talk about love in various ways. With love, we can easily communicate with one another beyond difference. Don't you think what we need most is benevolence or love, which makes us happier, simpler, and joyful?
The Korea Times/ Thoughts of The Times/
Nov. 20, 2002
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