Confucius, the great philosopher of ancient China, attained
great influence on Chinese civilization through his famous
teachings. Confucianism affected virtually all aspects of
Chinese philosophy, including health and longevity.
Confucius, a politician and scholar, lived from 552 to 479
B.C. His impact on healthy longevity consists of practical
advice for application in everyday life.
Confucianism advice on everyday healthy longevity includes
his exemplary daily living, such as the following:
He did not eat rice, meat, or fish that was spoiled (not
fresh) and badly cooked (medium rare); he ate meat in
proportion to the amount of rice consumed; he used ginger
to spice his food; he drank wine but only moderately; he
dressed for comfort and convenience; and he slept, curling
up his body, using his bent arm as a pillow (keeping his
spine in alignment).
Confucianism advocates mental health in the form of peace
and harmony. Confucius was against strong emotions of
anger, joy or sorrow, and pleasure - the stirrings of these
human feelings do not keep the mind in a state of
equilibrium.
Confucianism is expressed in two basic concepts of healthy
longevity living: "chung" and "yung."
"Chung" is "equilibrium" or "being without inclination to
either side." Confucius did not refrain from the pleasures
of life, such as eating and sex. However, he sought to
achieve balance between extremes, and to avoid excess. His
way of life was based on "the golden mean" concept of
equilibrium.
"Yung" is "persistence" or "continuing without change."
Confucius said, "The path may not be left for an instant.
If it could be left, it would not be the path. Therefore,
the superior person does not wait until he sees things to
be cautious, nor till he hears things to be apprehensive."
In other words, your pursuit of good health should be
persistent. Your health practices, whether they involve
exercise, diet, or meditation, should become your regular
habits of healthy longevity living. You do not wait until
you are sick to begin these intense efforts for healthy
longevity. Prevention is always better than cure. You
cannot reap their beneficial effects on a particular
occasion or after a short period of practice.
Confucianism was subsequently expanded by Meng Tzu
(Mencius), second only to Confucius as a Confucian sage.
Mencius went beyond Confucius in being concerned not only
with the physical aspects of healthy longevity, but also
with the spiritual. To Mencius, spiritual health is as
important as physical well-being. Mencius said, "To
preserve one's mind and to nourish one's spirit is the way
to serve nature (heaven). When a man realizes that there is
no real difference between a short lifespan and a long one,
and does not worry, but wait, cultivating his own personal
character, for whatever may come to pass - this is the way
he carries out his fate-ordained being."
Mencius also said, "The human will is the leader
(commander) of the 'qi' (internal vital energy). The 'qi'
pervades the body and moves it. The will is of primary
importance; the 'qi' is secondary. Therefore, maintain a
firm will and do no harm to your 'qi.' When the will is
concentrated, it moves the 'qi'; when the 'qi' is
concentrated, it moves the will."
By nourishing the spirit as well as the body, Mencius lived
to a ripe old age.
In Chinese medicine, 'qi' signifies vital energy that
embraces correct breathing, good blood circulation, and
mind consciousness through meditation.
In summary, Confucianism emphasized balance and harmony
achieved through the concepts of "chung" and "yung" in
everyday living with focus on spiritual well-being. These
health practices can be applicable in contemporary living
to attain healthy longevity.
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Stephen Lau is a researcher, writing synopses of medical
research for scientists. His publications include "NO
MIRACLE CURES" a book on healing and wellness. He has also
created several websites on health and healing.
http://www.longevityforyou.com
http://www.zenhealthylifestyle.com
http://www.chinesenaturalhealing.com
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