Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Harmony - From Chinese Perspective
Harmony - From Chinese Perspective
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
INTRODUCTION
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
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 national blocks
5 Confucian Relationships
Father to Son Elder Brother to Younger Brother Husband to Wife Elder to Junior Ruler to Subject
One of his famous sayings from Confucius goes: In carrying our rites, it is harmony that is prized. (, L zh yng, h wi gu. )
Personal network (gunx) - In China, an established network of quality contacts can help accomplish almost anything, and thus having good 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 from other 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 is owned 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 the art of maintaining composure and remaining polite and courteous. Surface harmony is seen to be of higher value than personal emotion and thus proper etiquette will serve to safeguard harmony and face.
Humility and modesty (kqi) - Ke means guest and qi means behavior. 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 boast about ones achievement and connections. Reciprocity (l shng wngli) - This concept can be defined as individuals and groups exchanging favors. People will ask for favors from those with whom they have guanxi. Collective vs. individual interest - Another deep-seated social belief is that of the collective interest being of greater importance than that of the individual. As a result, individuals should sacrifice their own interests in order to serve the needs of the majority.
Message from China through Sports The ceremony drew from China's long history, but surely the most striking features were the images of thousands of Chinese moving as one drumming as one, dancing as one, sprinting on precise formations without ever stumbling or colliding. We've seen displays of mass conformity before, but this was collectivism of the present a high-tech vision of the harmonious society performed in the context of China's miraculous growth.
Political Context
Principles governing Chinas practice of harmony-oriented diplomacy
Being both outward-looking and inward-looking, seeking mutual adjustment 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
Economic / Technological Context Open Door Policy The principle of Equality and Mutual Benefit Focus on Green Technological advancements
THANK YOU