Harmony - From Chinese Perspective - Copy

7/31/2019 Harmony - From Chinese Perspective - Copy

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From CHINESE perspective

HARMONY


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Agenda

Meaning of Harmony Origin of Harmony in China

Lessons from Harmony

In Social context

In Political context In Economic context

How China rediscovered Harmony


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INTRODUCTION


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Meaning of Harmony

The concept of harmony in Chinese culture comes from music. Harmony relates to important concepts of Confucianism such as

Ren (Benevolence, Humanness)

Yi (Righteousness, Justice)

Li (Propriety, Conduct, Etiquette)Zhi (Knowledge)

Xin (Integrity)

The duality of yin and yang


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Contd

Resolution of Conflicts between Human and Nature

Human & Human

Members of a Group

Citizens to a society at Large Rulers & the ruled

Clashes amongst the religions

Ideological contests

Dependence & Independence development between nationalblocks


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Origin of Harmony in China

During the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, discussion of music flourished underConfucius and the school of thoughts he created, Confucianism

Factors leading to Harmony

- Predominantly agricultural society

- Teachings of Confucius and other scholars

- Willingness of Society to accept new idea

Famous saying from Warring State Period (479 BC to 221 BC)

Bai Hua Chi Fan

Bai Jia Chi mingMeaning:

Let hundred Flowers Bloom

Let hundred Schools Flourish


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Lessons from Harmony

Social Context Harmony in Chinese Culture

Opening poem of Shijing

Crying the OspreysMerrily the ospreys cryOn the islet in thestreamGraceful gentle and brightis sheA fit mate for gentlemanfor himLong and short is the water plant Left and right borne bythe currentGraceful gentle and brightLonging for her, Awaken orin his dreamWaiting for her replyLong he thought, long nightawakenLong and short is the water plant Left and right to pluckthemGraceful gentle and brightWed her is his dreamMerrilypaying tune with herLong and short is the water plantLeft andright to gather themGraceful gentle and brightMarry her is hisdreamDrums and bells beating


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5 Confucian Relationships

Father to Son Elder Brother to Younger Brother

Husband to Wife

Elder to Junior

Ruler to Subject


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One of his famous sayings from Confucius goes: In carrying our rites, it isharmony that is prized. ( , Lzh yng, h wi gu. )

Personal network (gunx) - In China, an established network ofquality contacts can help accomplish almost anything, and thus havinggood guanxi is a very powerful asset.

Human sentiment (rnqng ) - The rule of renqing in Chinese

society as fellows: If you have received a drop of beneficence fromother people, you should return to them a fountain of beneficence.

A Chinese who has done a favor for you automatically feels that he or she isowned a favor from you in return.

Face (minzi) - Face is the concept of Mianzi . In Chinese culture, losing

face, saving face and giving face is very important. Surface harmony is theart of maintaining composure and remaining polite and courteous. Surfaceharmony is seen to be of higher value than personal emotion and thusproper etiquette will serve to safeguard harmony and face.


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Humility and modesty (kqi) - Ke means guest and qi meansbehavior. Keqi is the concept of humility and modesty that is

illustrated through being considerate, polite and well mannered.Chinese people do not consider it polite to be arrogant and boastabout ones achievement and connections.

Reciprocity (lshng wngli) - This concept can be

defined as individuals and groups exchanging favors. People will askfor favors from those with whom they have guanxi.

Collective vs. individual interest - Another deep-seated social beliefis that of the collective interest being of greater importance thanthat of the individual. As a result, individuals should sacrifice their

own interests in order to serve the needs of the majority.


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An individualist mentality and a collectivist mentality.

Example One-If you show a Westerner an image of a fish tank, theAmerican will usually describe the biggest fish in the tank and whatit is doing. If you ask a Chinese person to describe a fish tank, theChinese will usually describe the context in which the fish swim.

Take Away - Westerns usually see individuals; Chinese and otherAsians see contexts.

Example Two - Show Westerns individual pictures of a chicken, acow and hay and asked the subjects to pick out the two that gotogether, the Westerners would usually pick out the chicken andthe cow. They're both animals. Most Asian people, on the otherhand, would pick out the cow and the hay, since cows depend onhay.

Take Away - Westerners are more likely to see categories. Asians aremore likely to see relationships.


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An old Chinese Proverb

If there be righteousness in the heart,

there will be beauty in thecharacter.

If there is beauty in the character,there will be harmony in thehome.

If there is harmony in the home,there will be order in each nation. When there is order in each nation,there will be PEACE IN THE

WORLD!


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Political Context Principles governing Chinas practice of harmony-oriented diplomacy

Being both outward-looking and inward-looking, seeking mutualadjustment and mutual adaptation with the world

Seeking a multi-faceted win-win outcome.

Putting aside ideological differences and focusing on substantive

cooperation in foreign relations. Establishing secure communities without the intention of sphere of

influence, power politics, or dominance


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Economic / Technological Context

Open Door Policy

The principle of Equality and Mutual Benefit

Focus on Green Technological advancements


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How China rediscovered Harmony

KEYPOINTS:

Harmonious Society (hexie Shehui)

Harmonious World (hexie Shiji)


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THANK YOU

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Harmony - From Chinese Perspective - Copy