Cultivation of Virtues in Chinese Cultural Philosophy

In this talk, Dr. Jing Lin will discuss the three dimensions of virtues in Chinese cultural philosophy. The first dimension is the cosmic dimension in which Tao is manifested in various states of virtues as outlined in Tao Te Ching. At this level, virtue is connected with the primordial, subtle energy which is profound and formless yet which governs the working of the cosmos. Those who enter the collective un-self consciousness of Tao can sense and embrace it; and human society must operate on this mechanism. The second dimension is the social level of virtues which is delineated in Confucius’ Analects and in many other Confucian and Taoist classics. Essentially virtues as manifested in human society establish the need for harmony, interconnection and reciprocity, which require societal members to love, care and trust each other. This gives education a vital role to establish the norm and cultivate the culture. The third dimension is at the personal level that requires profound self-transformation reaching the subtle and subconscious level of our being beyond the ego. The personal transformation leads on to a great expansion of awareness and ability to transform the world fulfilling one’s cosmic purpose. This transformation is delineated in Tao Te Ching and Confucian classics such as the Great Learning and Mencius. Finally, Dr. Lin will discuss the current shortfalls in education and suggest transformative and innovative changes in education.  

 

Jing Lin is a professor in International Education Policy at University of Maryland. She has done much research and teaching in the area of Chinese education, peace education, environmental education, and spirituality, religion and education.