This Week's Quotation:
A superior person takes time to discover what is right. The lesser person takes time to discover what pays better.
~ The Analects 4.16
In Search of the Win-Win-Win
Rev. Berry Behr, Global Interfaith Ambassador
Decorum, justice, fairness, and filial piety are the cornerstones of the teachings of Confucius as compiled in an ancient book, The Analects. This wisdom text is one of Five Classics, written before 300 BC, which are believed to have been either written, edited, commented on, or compiled by Confucius or his followers. They remain the cornerstones of Chinese philosophy.
Essentially, Confucius taught about right relationship, focusing particularly on the primary relationship between parents and children. He advocated that people needed to understand and respect their place and their role in the world and that this sense of order would bring about peace. It didn’t mean people couldn’t grow and progress: simply that all decisions should be carefully measured within a structure of empathy, responsibility, and clarity of personal morals.
Like us, Confucius lived in a time of war and turbulence. He believed peace could be achieved by educating individuals about personal responsibility and prioritizing social cohesion over personal success. In today’s individualistic world, that might not be a popular idea. Yet it’s worth thinking about who’s losing when we are winning. I have a friend who always looks for the Triple Win—for you, for me, for the planet. Perhaps the question should be: Who or what could be harmed by my current choice? My standard question is: Where is the love? It isn’t always easy to discern: it’s good to slow down, as Confucius suggested, and take the time to be fully with the question.
Life calls us to make some hard choices, and our commercialized world encourages us to opt for easier, self-serving, profitable ones. Compassion, love, service, and the Greater Good may feel like outdated considerations and truth itself wears many faces. Yet there is a yearning in all of us for something better, something safe and wholesome. Confucius did not believe in a God, but rather in the flow of life referred to as the Tao. When we open to the flow we receive inspired insights that guide us. Our job is to listen.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world's sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Many thanks, Berry. YES to Confucius’s wisdom — and to yours. Confucius called for balanced living – so important in this day. The ANALECTS make great sense over 2300 years later! Go Berry! Thank you for holding the light high! Love, Tom C.
Confucius may not have believed in God, but since he acknowledged and supported the flow of life he referred to as the Tao, I would say that he effectively did believe in God, or at least in the ordering power of Love. His exultation of the qualities of true character connected him with the Divine and inspired others to do the same.
When we open to the flow we receive inspired insights that guide us. Our job is to listen.
Just imagine if the majority of people just listened to each other!!!!
I surrendered to Love today.