志异 Draft by Drama box December 2014 (english) | Page 39

Rather, a better way of understanding rituals from a Confucian context, would be to understand it as a kind of practice that exemplifies certain ideals about human relationships. Perhaps in a Western context, it is better known as social etiquette. Nonetheless, Confucius was well aware of the power of such social etiquettes. A hug expresses affection, a salute expresses respect. A pat on the back expresses support. We learn and we practise these ritual actions from our family and friends, in welldefined circumstances. When these ritual actions are repeated and internalised, people begin to intuitively know when to act and how to respond in situations outside of such fixed scenarios. In this way, they would be able to interact with diverse groups of people in ways that Jonathan Sim When people practise these ritual actions, they learn about the meaning that they are supposed to communicate, and understand the visual and bodily cues that accompany it. When they see others acting in this way, they would know how to act accordingly - when to give way, and when to take the lead. More importantly, they are also aware of what is being communicated. 39 Early Chinese Conceptions of Harmony Confucius is a strong advocate of such a model of harmony. He was of the firm belief that people should study rituals as a way of moral education and self-transformation. Rituals should not be understood merely as a series of religious actions.