儒RU

Course Overview · 课程概览

The Art of Being
Human

Confucianism is not a religion — it is a philosophy of how to live well among others. For over two thousand years, it has shaped Chinese family life, government, education, and personal ethics more deeply than any other system of thought.

In this two-day course, you study directly with a Confucian scholar in a traditional Chengdu courtyard. You read passages from the Analects, debate their modern relevance, practice the meditative art of Chinese calligraphy, and participate in a formal tea ceremony that embodies the Confucian ideal of refined human interaction.

"The superior man is not a utensil." — Confucius, Analects 2:12. This course will show you what he meant — and why it still matters.

What You Learn · 学习内容

Four Pillars of Confucian Practice

From the written word to the poured cup, every practice teaches the same principle: the cultivation of the self through mindful relation to others.

Module 1 · 第一修

The Analects — Close Reading

Read and discuss key passages from the Analects (论语) with a Confucian scholar. Understand the original Chinese and its layered meanings.

Ren (仁) — Benevolence and human-heartedness
Li (礼) — Ritual propriety and social harmony
Xiao (孝) — Filial piety and family ethics
Junzi (君子) — The concept of the superior person

Module 2 · 第二修

The Five Relationships — 五伦

The foundation of Confucian social ethics. Understand the five key relationships that organize Chinese moral thinking — and how they apply to your own life.

Ruler–Minister: loyalty and responsibility
Father–Son: filial devotion and parental care
Husband–Wife: mutual respect and partnership
Elder–Younger: generational harmony
Friend–Friend: trust and sincerity

Module 3 · 第三修

Chinese Tea Ceremony — 茶道

The tea ceremony is Confucianism made physical. Every gesture — from warming the cup to the order of serving — embodies respect, consideration, and mindfulness.

Gongfu tea preparation technique step by step
The meaning behind each pouring motion
Serving order: age, status, and the guest–host bond
Tasting and evaluating three Sichuan teas

Module 4 · 第四修

Chinese Calligraphy — 书法

Calligraphy is meditation through the brush. Under your scholar's guidance, learn to write core Confucian virtues in traditional kaishu script.

Brush grip, ink grinding, and paper handling
Basic strokes: horizontal, vertical, dot, hook
Writing the characters 仁 (Ren) and 礼 (Li)
Your finished work to take home as a keepsake

Core Philosophy · 五伦之道

The Five Relationships

Confucius taught that a well-ordered society begins with well-ordered relationships. Each of the Five Relationships carries mutual obligations — not one-way obedience, as commonly misunderstood, but a two-way bond of duty and care.

君臣

Ruler & Minister

Loyalty flows upward; benevolent governance flows downward. The ruler who does not care for the people loses the mandate of heaven.

父子

Father & Son

The father must nurture and guide; the son must honor and provide. This is not blind obedience — it is mutual devotion across generations.

夫妇

Husband & Wife

Partnership built on mutual respect, distinct responsibilities, and shared purpose. The family is the smallest unit of a harmonious society.

长幼

Elder & Younger

Seniority carries the duty of mentorship; youth carries the duty of learning. Between siblings, the elder gives; the younger respects.

朋友

Friend & Friend

The only truly equal relationship. Built on trust (信), honesty, and the courage to tell your friend what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.

仁礼

Ren & Li

The two pillars that hold all five relationships together: Ren (仁) is the heart; Li (礼) is the form. One without the other is incomplete.

Living Arts · 艺道双修

Tea & Calligraphy

Gongfu Tea Ceremony

功夫茶道

Learn the precise, meditative ritual of Gongfu tea — from warming the Yixing pot to the final aromatic pour. Each step is a practice in mindfulness and respect.

Brush & Ink Calligraphy

书法修身

Grind the ink, hold the brush, breathe — then write. Calligraphy is Confucian self-cultivation made visible. Your best piece goes home with you.

"To learn without thinking is labor lost. To think without learning is perilous. This is what I teach."

Your Scholar · 授业恩师

Scholar Zengming

曾明先生

Scholar Zengming comes from a family of Confucian teachers stretching back twelve generations. He holds a doctorate in Classical Chinese Philosophy from Sichuan University and has spent two decades making the ancient texts accessible to modern readers — both Chinese and international.

His teaching style is warm but rigorous. He does not lecture — he dialogues. He asks you what you think Confucius meant, then gently shows you what the text actually says. It is an experience of genuine intellectual discovery.

All sessions with Scholar Zengming are conducted through our bilingual cultural interpreter, with direct conversation strongly encouraged.

12GENERATIONS

20+YEARS TEACHING

400+INT'L STUDENTS

Preparing Yourself · 心理准备

What to Expect

📖

Close Reading

You will read real passages from the Analects in the original Chinese (with full English translation and commentary). This is not a summary — it is a genuine engagement with the text.

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Hands-On Tea

You will prepare and serve tea yourself. This is not a demonstration — it is a practice. Be ready to handle hot water, delicate cups, and precise timing.

🖌

Calligraphy Practice

No prior skill needed. You will learn from scratch — how to hold the brush, grind ink, and write core virtue characters. The process matters more than the result.

💬

Open Discussion

Every session includes open Q&A. Challenge the ideas. Disagree. Confucius himself welcomed debate — "A gentleman seeks harmony, not uniformity."

🏛

Traditional Setting

The course takes place in a restored Qing Dynasty courtyard in Chengdu. Wooden lattice windows, stone paths, bamboo gardens — the environment is the curriculum.

📜

Certificate Issued

On completion, you receive a bilingual certificate hand-stamped with the scholar's personal seal. Plus your calligraphy piece to keep.

Practical Details · 实用信息

Everything You Need to Know

📍
Location
Restored Qing Dynasty courtyard in central Chengdu. A peaceful, authentic setting surrounded by bamboo gardens and traditional architecture.
💴
Course Fee
¥2,000 RMB fixed rate, billed as part of your actual expenses. Included in all 10 & 15-day packages; available as an add-on in the 7-day package.
👔
What to Wear
Comfortable clothing that allows sitting on traditional chairs. Avoid overly casual beachwear. A quiet, respectful demeanor is appreciated.
🚌
Transport
Full transfer from your Chengdu hotel to the courtyard venue and back, included in your overall trip cost.

📱
Phones & Devices
You are welcome to take photos during breaks. During reading and practice sessions, we ask you to keep devices away — full presence matters.
⚠️
Language
All sessions interpreted live into English by your dedicated bilingual cultural guide. Original Chinese texts are provided alongside full translations.
🍵
Meals Included
A traditional Sichuan lunch is included both days, served in the courtyard. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
📋
Included In
Confucianism course is included in the 10-day and 15-day journey packages. Available as an add-on for the 7-day package.

Confucian Wisdom
& Culture

The Art of Being
Human