Confucius on Serving Spirits: What You Need to Know About Life and Death
Confucius’s “serving people” here refers to serving the king and parents. If you cannot be loyal and filial while the king and parents are alive, you cannot talk about being loyal and filial to ghosts and gods after they die. He hopes that people can be loyal to the king and filial to their parents. This chapter shows Confucius’ basic attitude towards ghosts and gods, life and death. He does not believe in ghosts and gods, nor does he focus on the afterlife or the situation after death. He wants people to be loyal and filial to their parents while they are alive, and as for ghosts and gods, there is no need to mention them. This chapter serves as a footnote to his saying, “Respect ghosts and gods but keep your distance from them.”
Confucius, one of China’s greatest philosophers, offered profound insights into many aspects of life, including our understanding of death and the afterlife. A notable dialogue from his teachings sheds light on his perspective regarding the worship of spirits and the nature of life and death.
In this dialogue, a disciple named Ji Lu asks Confucius about how one should serve spirits and deities. Confucius responds with a striking answer: “If you cannot serve people well, how can you serve spirits?” Ji Lu then inquires about the nature of death, to which Confucius replies, “If you do not understand the principles of life, how can you understand death?”
Understanding Confucius’ Perspective
Confucius’ teachings emphasize the importance of focusing on one’s duties and responsibilities in the present life rather than concerning oneself with the supernatural or the afterlife. His response underscores a critical principle of his philosophy: the importance of fulfilling one’s responsibilities to others before seeking to understand or worship spirits.
When Confucius speaks of “serving people,” he refers to fulfilling one’s duties to family, rulers, and society. In Confucian thought, true respect and loyalty are demonstrated through actions in the present world rather than through rituals or offerings to spirits. He suggests that if one cannot be loyal and dutiful to the living—especially to one’s parents and leaders—there is no merit in focusing on rituals meant for the deceased.
The Practical Focus of Confucianism
Confucius’ approach to spirits and the afterlife is practical and grounded. He advises focusing on what is within one’s control and influence. By concentrating on living a virtuous and responsible life, one naturally honors both the living and the spirits. This view is reflected in his concept of “敬鬼神而远之” (respect spirits and stay distant from them), which means acknowledging the existence of spirits without letting them distract from one’s duties and responsibilities.
In essence, Confucius’ teachings encourage individuals to cultivate moral character and fulfill their duties in the here and now. This approach aligns with his broader philosophy, which prioritizes ethical behavior, social harmony, and personal development over supernatural concerns.
Conclusion
Confucius’ dialogue on serving spirits offers a window into his broader philosophical system. It reflects his belief in the importance of focusing on one’s duties in life and understanding the world through practical, rather than mystical, means. By following these teachings, individuals can lead a life that honors both the living and the spirits, grounded in the values of respect, responsibility, and ethical behavior.
Through this lens, Confucius’ teachings remain relevant today, reminding us to prioritize our immediate responsibilities and relationships while maintaining a balanced perspective on spiritual matters.