"Balance is the perfect state of still water. Let that be our model. It remains quiet within and is not disturbed on the surface." ~ Confucius
Confucius, or Kong Fuzi in Chinese (about 551-479 B.C.), was China's first great teacher and social critic. Through his 497-versed Analects, ("Conversations") or aphorisms, he captured his country's philosophy, culture, and life.
"I transmit," he said. "I do not invent."
An outstanding student and teacher, he examined the relationships between Nature and man, the power of the universe, The Tao, which expressed itself through respect and the balance of yin and yang.
"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it," observed the sage who believed with the proper models, every person could find goodness and balance, and the highest of all virtues, jen (humanity).
As a major influence of Chinese civilization, Confucius looked to the past for answers and celebrated the importance of ritual as an essential part of culture. Confucius believed that virtue was a celebration of acting with respect for others.
Deeply reflective and known for his outspokenness, his wisdom radiated brighter after his death. Confucianism remains central to China's culture and continues to have universal appeal today:
"Five things constitute perfect virtue: gravity, magnanimity, earnestness, sincerity, and kindness."
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