??Confucius, commonly known as K'ung Ch'iu, was born to a poor family in northern China during the year of 551 BC. During his early life China was being ripped apart by the Noble Princes or Warlords. These Warlords were very demanding, raise huge armies, imposed heavy taxes on the people and oppressed their laborers. Learning and sharing knowledge had always been important to K'ung Ch'iu and to his credit he self taught himself. It was during his teen years that he was able to work keeping the agricultural records for a noble man. This was where he began to develop his philosophy and it was not long before he wanted to share his knowledge with others.His first choice was to travel the countryside and share his knowledge with the Noble Princes. After all, it was important to K'ung Ch'iu to impart his knowledge which would make the Princes govern better and lead by example.K'ung Ch'iu was not well received by the Princes at all but his teachings were received by the common people he met during his travels. In his later years he returned to his home area and began a school which practiced his teachings. This school became very popular and he soon became known as K'ung Fu-tzu or K'ung the Master. Many of his students went on to hold government positions and positions of power.By the time of his death, K'ung Ch'iu was considered as one of the two great ethical minds in the East with the other one being Buddha. His teachings were never translated into English until the year 1867 when James Legge began to do it. However, it was not till 1907 that the writings of K'ung Ch'iu were made more readable by Oxford University by Lionel Giles, Keeper of Oriental Books and Manuscripts in the British Museum.When one considers the life of K'ung Ch'iu and the turbulent times that he lived it makes one appreciate the writings and quotes that have been attributed to this master.Some K'ung Ch'iu (Confucius) quotes:Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.Tea tempers the spirits and harmonizes the mind, dispels lassitude and relieves fatigue, awakens thought and prevents drowsiness, lightens or refreshes the body, and clears the perceptive faculties.Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.Silence is a true friend who never betrays.The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice.When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.When you are laboring for others let it be with the same zeal as if it were for yourself.Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.You cannot open a book without learning something.Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?These are quotes taken from other authoritative articles and authors.
Article Source: http://www.articlecontentprovider.com/articlesubmit
When thou ponders the life of K'ung Ch'iu and the rocky times that he lived it makes one accept the teachings and quotes that have been attributed to this master.
This article is written by Sandra M. Morris of Silver Needle White Tea and she hopes that you will begin the journey to find just how teas can benefit you and your health.
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 5 4 out of 5 3 out of 5 2 out of 5 1 out of 5
