Confucius' thoughts and practices on health preservation
#Health-preserving ·2022-08-20 23:32:13
Confucius' thoughts and practices on health preservation
Confucius always attached great importance to physical exercise and mental and physical cultivation, emphasizing the building of a strong body and maintaining an open and optimistic attitude. He advocated having a regular daily routine and a balanced diet, and proposed the health preservation methods of self-cultivation and nurturing the mind, as well as combining benevolence and longevity.
Confucius was a renowned thinker and educator in the Spring and Autumn Period of China and the founder of Confucianism. Although there are no specific chapters on health preservation in Confucius' works, he was well-versed in poetry and books, erudite and versatile. Not only did he enjoy playing the zither and singing, but he was also skilled in archery and driving. He attached great importance to physical exercise and had considerable research on health preservation, which he put into practice. The moral behavior of self-cultivation and the pursuit of self-improvement in life that he advocated also contains rich ideas and experiences on health preservation, constituting an important source of traditional Chinese health preservation culture. This article intends to conduct a systematic exploration of Confucius' thoughts and practices on health preservation, and to explore their contemporary value and practical significance.
First, practice your muscles and bones diligently and lead by example
Confucius attached great importance to physical exercise, which was closely related to the requirement of the "scholar" class in the Spring and Autumn period to be both literate and martial. At that time, there was no strict distinction between civil and military officials, and scholars needed to have both knowledge and physical fitness. Confucius was a typical representative of the characteristics of this era. He has a wide range of interests and is proficient in archery, driving, hunting, swimming, mountain climbing, outings, fishing and so on. He integrates physical exercise into his daily life, achieving the dual benefits of strengthening his body and cultivating his sentiments.
Archery is one of the "Six Arts" of Confucianism and a fitness skill that Confucius highly praised. Not only was he himself highly skilled, but he also often taught his disciples to practice archery techniques. The Book of Rites: The Meaning of Shooting records: "Confucius shot at the garden of the minister of 矍, and the viewers were like a wall." The onlookers formed a wall, which clearly demonstrated his superb archery skills. In "The Book of Rites: The Meaning of Archery", it is also recorded that Confucius said, "What is the purpose of archery?" How to listen? Is a person who speaks in accordance with the sound and does not lose his upright stance a virtuous one? This kind of experience not only reflects his profound understanding of archery techniques but also indicates his precise and proficient shooting skills. Regular archery exercise not only enhances arm strength but also promotes the overall activity of leg posture, body posture, eyesight and the nervous system. It is a sport that combines physical fitness and mental cultivation, and thus became Confucius' favorite way of keeping fit.
According to ancient records, some people praised Confucius for his erudition and versatility, but regretted that he failed to win the championship and become famous for any particular skill. After hearing this, Confucius said to his disciples, "What do I hold dear?" Is it thorough? Is it about shooting? "I rule it." " These words not only demonstrate the sage's modesty but also confirm his proficiency in archery and driving.
In addition to archery and driving, Confucius often went on outings and mountain climbing with his disciples. In the process of getting close to nature, he taught and imparted knowledge, achieving a combination of physical exercise and the dissemination of knowledge. In the Analects of Confucius, Yan Yuan, there is a record of Confucius and his disciple Fan Chi swimming under the dance 雩; In "The Analects of Confucius: Advanced", there is a classic dialogue. Confucius asked Zi Lu, Zeng Dian, Ran You and Gong Xihua about their aspirations. Zeng Dian replied, "Mo Chun, after the spring clothes are completed, five or six men in the crown and six or seven children are bathing in Yi, dancing in the wind 雩, and returning with a poem." After hearing this, Confucius expressed his deep agreement and exclaimed, "I am with the point." This kind of activity that integrates with nature and relaxes the body and mind is not only the fitness method that Confucius loved, but also a vivid manifestation of his open-minded state of mind.
The records of Confucius' love for mountain climbing are detailed in ancient books such as "Shuo Yuan" and "Han Shi Wai Zhuan". He once climbed Mount Tai and Jing Shan in southern Shandong with his disciples. It is said that when he reached the summit of Mount Tai, he exclaimed, "When I climb Mount Tai, the world seems small." Today, there are still stone inscriptions on Mount Tai that read "Confucius' Small World" and stone archways that read "Confucius' Climbing Place", which serve as physical evidence of his mountain climbing activities. In addition, Confucius was also fond of fishing and hunting, and was highly skilled in them. The record in "The Analects of Confucius: Shu Er" that "Confucius fished but did not follow the main line, and swam but did not shoot at the night" not only reflects his benevolent heart but also indicates from the side that his skills in fishing and shooting birds were excellent.
Extensive physical exercise endowed Confucius with a strong body. The Records of the Grand Historian: The House of Confucius Records: "Confucius was nine feet and six inches tall. People all called him the elder and distinguished him." In the Zhou Dynasty, one foot was approximately 19.91 centimeters in height today. After conversion, Confucius was about 1.91 meters tall, with a tall and burly figure. In the "Shen Dalan" of the "Lushi Chunqiu", it is even recorded that "Confucius' strength was so great that he lifted the wooden bolt of the city gate of the vassal state with one hand, but he refused to use his strength to hear it" ⑧. The so-called "lifting the gate of the country" means to lift the wooden bolt of the city gate of the vassal state with one hand. This requires tremendous strength, which fully demonstrates Confucius' bravery and martial prowess. The Huainanzi also mentions that Confucius' bravery surpassed that of the renowned warrior Meng Ben, and his running speed could catch up with that of a hare. Although such descriptions might be slightly exaggerated, they are sufficient to prove that Confucius was a physically strong and valiant man, which is inseparable from his long-term persistence in physical exercise.
Second, have a broad and open mind, and be magnanimous and open-minded
Confucius traveled around various states throughout his life, promoting his political views and enduring numerous hardships - he was rebuked by Qi, expelled from Song and Wei, trapped between Chen and CAI, and even nearly lost his life. However, no matter what setbacks he encountered, he could face them calmly with an open and magnanimous attitude. This kind of mental cultivation not only reflects his moral character but also the core content of his health preservation ideas, and is an important reason for his longevity.
Confucius often said, "A gentleman is open and upright, while a petty person is always full of worries." This is not only his philosophy of life but also his way of nurturing the mind. He was erudite and talented, but his talents were never recognized. He was often not favored by the monarchs of various countries. However, he never blamed fate or others, nor was he discouraged or depressed. He always held on to his ideals with a calm state of mind. "A gentleman does not contend" is Confucius' principle of conduct. This non-contention does not mean being passive and avoiding the world, but rather not being petty with others and not being greedy for fame and fortune. Guided by this thought, he always maintained a clear and peaceful state of mind, avoiding the damage to his body caused by excessive emotions.
Confucius advocated "sorrow without harm", emphasizing that when encountering sad events, one should control their emotions and not be overly heartbroken. This concept of emotional regulation is highly consistent with the modern view in health preservation that "emotional stability is the top priority of health". Even in his later years, he remained energetic and tireless in promoting his ideas and collating ancient books. This was inseparable from his open-minded, optimistic and positive mental state. When he was in a favorable position and successful in his career, he did not become overbearing. He always remained modest and prudent, just as he said: "A gentleman is dignified but not arrogant, while a petty person is arrogant but not dignified." ⑪ The wise find joy in water, and the benevolent find joy in mountains. The wise move, the benevolent remain calm. In his view, those with knowledge and morality can cultivate their sentiments in the midst of nature, achieving a state of ease and peace of mind, and thus attaining happiness and longevity.
Modern scientific research has long confirmed that a person's mental state is closely related to health and longevity. Among the many factors affecting physical health, emotional stability ranks first. Dr. Vilant of the United States conducted a follow-up survey of over 2,000 people for nearly 40 years. The results showed that those suffering from mental distress would suffer at least five years of health damage. Countless examples throughout history, both at home and abroad, have confirmed this point: People with broad minds, an optimistic attitude and lofty ideals tend to live longer. A survey by Dr. Beilin of the former Soviet Union shows that the majority of people in their eighties and nineties are optimists. A survey conducted by Chinese scientists on long-lived elderly people in Xinjiang also found that the vast majority of them possess an open-minded and optimistic character.
During the Spring and Autumn period when the saying "seventy is considered rare in ancient times" holds true, the average life expectancy was only around 35 years. However, Confucius lived to be 73 years old, making him a true longevity figure of his time. This was closely related to his open-minded and magnanimous attitude towards life. Just as modern psychosomatic medicine has revealed, a good mental state can regulate the body's qi and blood, enhance immunity, and prevent illness caused by accumulated worry. And Confucius' way of nourishing the heart is precisely the ancient practice of this health concept.
Third, maintain a regular daily routine and have a balanced diet
Having a regular daily routine and a balanced diet are the longevity experiences summarized by the ancients through long-term health preservation practices. Confucius integrated this concept into his daily life and formed a systematic set of health preservation norms for life. Many of his viewpoints are highly consistent with modern food hygiene and health preservation concepts, demonstrating his advanced wisdom in health preservation.
In terms of diet, Confucius advocated "not seeking to eat too much", emphasizing that one should not overeat. Even if fish and meat are abundant, they should not be consumed in large quantities. He also opposed overeating, believing that rich and greasy foods could easily damage the spleen and stomach. At the same time, he was very particular about food hygiene and put forward the famous "Eight Do Not Eat" rule. The Analects of Confucius: Xiangdang records: "If you eat 饐 and 餲, do not eat if your fish is undercooked and your meat is ruined." He is lustful and does not eat. It smells bad and is not edible. If food is not properly cooked, it should not be eaten. Do not eat when it is not in season. If it is not cut properly, it will not be eaten. If you can't get the sauce, don't eat it. "I don't eat the preserved food at the wine market." In modern terms, it means: Do not eat moldy or deteriorated grains or rotten fish and meat. Do not eat food with abnormal colors. Don't eat food that smells bad. Do not eat food that is not cooked properly. Don't eat food that is not in season. Do not eat meat that is not cut properly. Don't eat food without suitable sauce, vinegar or seasonings. I don't eat bulk wine or cooked meat bought from the market. These requirements not only met the living conditions of that time but were also highly consistent with modern food hygiene standards, which fully demonstrates Confucius' emphasis on dietary health.
Confucius also advocated "do not be tired of fine food, 脍 do not be tired of fine details" ④, not for the pursuit of luxury, but for the convenience of digestion and absorption of food, which reflects his attention to the details of diet. He advocated the principle of "Don't talk while eating or sleeping", believing that talking during meals would affect digestion and that talking before going to sleep would disturb the mind and disrupt sleep. Even today, this habit remains a scientific practice in line with health care requirements. Confucius also had strict requirements regarding sleeping postures, proposing "Do not sleep with a corpse" ⑫, meaning that one should not adopt a posture of leaning up to the sky while sleeping. This concept has had a profound influence on later generations of health preservation experts. Based on this, Cao Cishan, a renowned health preservation expert in the Qing Dynasty, summarized a set of sleep techniques: "It is said that the Xiyi Sleep Technique is to lie on the left side, bend the left foot, bend the left arm, support the head with the hand, extend the right foot, and place the right hand between the right thigh." The right side is reversed." Modern medical research shows that this lateral sleeping position helps promote blood circulation and reduces the burden on the heart, which is quite beneficial for health preservation and longevity.
In terms of daily life, Confucius advocated having a regular routine, balancing work and rest, and opposed excessive comfort. He warns people: "A man who has a home in his heart is not a man" ⑭, believing that excessive pursuit of a comfortable and easy living environment will make a person lazy and depressed, and then lead to a decline in physical condition and neglect of career. Ancient books record that Duke Ai of Lu once asked Confucius about the way to live a long life. Confucius replied, "Those who sleep at irregular intervals, eat improperly, or overwork and rest will be killed by illness." This statement clearly points out that irregular daily routines, unrestrained diet, and excessive work and rest can all lead to diseases and shorten one's lifespan. Only by maintaining a regular lifestyle and balancing work and rest can one stay healthy and live a long life. It is truly commendable that Confucius could profoundly recognize these health laws in an era when science was not yet advanced over 2,500 years ago.
Fourth, cultivate oneself and nourish the mind, and achieve both benevolence and longevity
The ethical and moral concepts such as "benevolence" and "moderation" advocated by Confucius are not only the core of his ideological system but also important methods for him to cultivate his character and mind and prevent aging. He closely integrated moral cultivation with health preservation and care, putting forward the viewpoint that "the benevolent live longer", revealing the intrinsic connection between self-cultivation and longevity, and forming a unique health preservation concept of "preserving health with virtue", which has become an important feature of traditional Chinese health preservation culture.
Confucius' idea of "benevolence and love" encompasses a wealth of moral behavioral norms such as filial piety, fraternal duty, leniency, trustworthiness, promptness, benefit, frugality, respectfulness, modesty, gentleness, firmness, fortitude and courage. He demands that people place great importance on self-improvement of both body and mind, be loyal and forgiving in dealing with people, be generous and kind to others, bestow favors upon others, be resolute and decisive in handling affairs, be trustworthy and modest in dealing with the world, and not be greedy for fame and fortune. In "The Analects of Confucius: Li Ren", it is said: "Acting for profit leads to much resentment." He also emphasized that one should live frugally and treat others with respect and courtesy, believing that through cultivation in these aspects, one can reach the state of "a benevolent person has no worries" and "a broad mind". This state of mind, free from desires and demands, and calm and peaceful, can make people calm and carefree, which is of great benefit to health and longevity. This is precisely the core essence of "a benevolent person lives a long life" - a benevolent person has an open heart and is full of righteousness, which can not only nourish the character but also strengthen the body.
Cultivating the mind and self-cultivation are inseparable. While Confucianism advocates "benevolence" for self-cultivation, it also puts forward methods of rectifying the mind, concentrating the mind and nourishing the mind. Among them, the Qigong method of cultivating the mind represented by "Xinzhai" is the most typical. The so-called "Xinzhai" refers to achieving a state of purity and emptiness where the ears do not hear and the spirit and spirit are in harmony by discarding all distractions, concentrating the mind, and breathing in a long and slender manner. This simple and unremarkable practice can effectively regulate the spirit and mind, nourish the body and mind, and achieve the goal of nourishing the heart and longevity.
The doctrine of the Mean is the fundamental guideline for Confucius' thoughts and actions, and it is also an important method for him to self-regulate his body and mind. The so-called "moderation" means being impartial in dealing with people and matters, assessing the situation, being flexible and adaptable, neither excessive nor lacking, and using "propriety" as the standard to restrain one's words and deeds. From the perspective of health preservation, "the doctrine of the Mean" means to achieve a moderate and appropriate balance in all aspects such as diet, daily routine, emotions, and work, avoiding extremes. By harmonizing qi and blood and coordinating Yin and Yang, it keeps the internal and external environment of the human body in balance. This is also the core method of Confucius' health preservation thought and is of great significance for health preservation, fitness, anti-aging and anti-aging.
In addition, Confucius, based on the physiological characteristics of different stages of life, put forward the health preservation proposition of "Three Cautions for a Gentleman" : "When one is young and the blood and qi are not yet stable, one should be cautious about lust." It is extremely vigorous and full of vigor and vitality. One should avoid fighting. When one is extremely old and their blood and qi decline, it is important to be cautious. This passage clearly points out that during adolescence, one's blood and spirit are not yet stable, and one should avoid being overly attached to beauty. In one's prime, one is full of vigor and vitality, and should avoid being aggressive and combative. In old age, blood and energy decline, and one should avoid being insatiable. This kind of phased health preservation advice is in line with the physiological laws of the human body. Even today, it still has important reference value for people's health preservation and care.
Confucius was erudite and had a profound understanding of medical care. He was well aware that drugs could both cure diseases and have side effects, and thus he always maintained a cautious attitude towards taking medicine. It is recorded that Ji Kangzi once presented medicine to Confucius, but Confucius declined, saying, "I am not familiar with the properties of the medicine and dare not take it at will." This cautious attitude also reflects his scientific concept of health preservation.
Conclusion
Confucius' thoughts and practices on health preservation are rich in content and profound in connotation, covering multiple aspects such as physical exercise, emotional regulation, daily life, and moral cultivation. They organically combine physical health care with cultural health care and are an important part of traditional Chinese health preservation culture. He put into practice the health preservation concept of "the unity of body and mind, and the coexistence of benevolence and longevity" through his own actions. He managed to live a long life during the Spring and Autumn period when the average life expectancy was extremely low, fully demonstrating the scientific and practical nature of his health preservation ideas.
Up to now, systematic research on Confucius' thoughts on health preservation by Chinese scholars is still relatively scarce. At present, the national fitness campaign is booming. We should strengthen the research on Confucius' thoughts and practices of health preservation, combine modern scientific health preservation concepts, take the essence and discard the dross, explore the reasonable core within, integrate the ancient wisdom of health preservation with modern life, and provide useful references for enhancing people's physical fitness and improving the health level of the entire population Let the traditional Chinese health preservation culture regain new vitality in the new era.