But metaphysical cosmology has also been observed as the placing of man in the

universe in relationship to all other entities. This is demonstrated by the observation

made by Marcus Aurelius of a man's place in that relationship.  

"He who does not know what the world is does not know where he is, and he who does not know for what purpose the world exists, does not know who he is, nor what the world is."[3] This is the purpose of the ancient metaphysical cosmology."

from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmology

UNITY OF CHINESE EXPERIENCE

The shared assumptions of Confucianism, Taoism and (Chinese)Buddhism may be

thought of as a common root from which a tree of many branches

has sprung…

-Nielsen, Niels C., Jr. et.al.

UNITY OF CHINESE EXPERIENCE

1. All parts of the universe share with humanity a degree of sentience. Human beings and “things” are thus one, without radical distinctions.

UNITY OF CHINESE EXPERIENCE

2. There is a preordained correct place and pattern of behavior for everything in the universe.

UNITY OF CHINESE EXPERIENCE

3. The ideal is achieved when all things operate in a cosmic harmony; that is, when peace and order reign supreme.

UNITY OF CHINESE EXPERIENCE

4. Humanity has a special responsibility for maintaining this harmony when it is already present in the world or for working toward its reestablishment when, because of some human tragedy, ignorance, or willfulness, it is absent.

UNITY OF CHINESE EXPERIENCE

5. Finally, the very survival of humanity depends on the establishment of this harmony insofar as this is possible.

KEY CHINESE VALUES

• PROSPERITY

• LONGEVITY

• POSTERITY

TRADITION VARIANTS

• The way of KUNG-FU TSE– “Kung the Master” (“Teacher”)– Confucius (Latinized)– Deliberate Tradition

TRADITION VARIANTS

• The Way of Tao

• Lao-Tse (“The God Old Boy”)

• Tao Te Ching (The Way and Its Power)

TRADITION VARIANTS

• The Way of the Buddha– Mahayana

– Bodhidharma

– Anything, Anytime can be an opportunity for satori (a flash of enlightenment)