THE SPIRITS SPEAK
This is an interview with the Spirit of Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher. His words are channeled through Speaker Gerald Polley. Speaker Linda J. Polley provides the questions.
1. Is it true you weren't very attractive, and didn't look like other Chinese boys?
A. In answering this question, one must consider what is attractive. If I wore a hood covering my brow, and sat, I was often considered attractive. It is only when I was bare-headed and walked around that I was not considered handsome.
2. Why didn't your mother properly bury your father and tell you where his body was?
A. I never knew her reasons for this. I believe there was some argument over the burial plot, so he sat on the roadside for some time until the matter could be dealt with. Why it was so long being brought to my attention, I have no idea.
3. When you met Lao-tze, while visiting the Duke at the capitol, did you try to convert him to your ways?
A. I was a teacher, not a converter. Conversion is a term of the Christian religion. We of the east prefer to say that we exchange views on matters of interest.
4. What are your beliefs on Spirits, The Spirit World, and "Keeping them at a distance" now you're a Spirit?
A. I share the philosophy of one of your friends from the stars in this matter. Let the World Of The Dead be the concern of The Dead, let the World Of The Living be the concern of the living, as well it should be.
5. Do you feel the personality of the "superior man" is suitable for and obtainable by modern man?
A. Most certainly! And it is perhaps needed more by the modern man than the ancient one.
6. How do you feel Confucianism and Spiritism compare?
A. I am not that versed on the second, so cannot really say how it compares with the first, though I have been told by some they share many similar qualities, such as the respect of customs, respect for ancestors, and the elderly. Some day I must take the time to sit down and really compare the two, then perhaps I could better answer such a question.
7. Do you believe your teachings should have become a religion?
A. I do not consider my teachings a religion. I consider them a philosophy, and this is a great difference. A religion has gods, a philosophy has only understanding. It does not have to be fought over, but can simply be discussed and if one wants to take advantage of its benefits, one can. If one does not want to, one does not have to.
8. Did you have and practice a religion?
A. I was a follower of traditions, aspects of which were called religion. But I would not call myself a religious person. I did not get upset if others did not believe as I did. I did not seek the destruction of those who were different from myself. No, I would not say I was a religious person.
9. If you had been born to a wealthy family, do you think your life would have worked out the same?
A. I think very little would have changed. Though understanding may have been a little slower in coming, I think it would have still come.
10. What is your opinion on the conduct of the 1980s family?
A. WHAT family? Among the Europeans, family does not exist. They have no true conception of family, not as the people of the East do.
11. Did you ever think you would be considered one of China's sages?
A. Such a thought never occurred to me. My only desire was to instill in others that little bit of understanding that in my humble way I had achieved. I think my small popularity is a sign of my success.
12. Are you satisfied with the books by your disciples, that have been added to yours?
A. Is any man satisfied with additions to his work? Is Muhammed satisfied,. is The Nazarene satisfied with the corruption of their words by those who came after them? If a man wants to say something, let him put his OWN name on it, not mine. Let what I have said be what I have said, let no other man put his words in my mouth.
13. What do you have to say about the recent tragic events in China?
A. I would say my tears are many. Otherwise than this, I would say no more.
14. How do you believe the situation should be resolved?
A. It is for the people now living to decide in what way they wish to live, not for me. If I was again to take on flesh, then it would be for me to say. Though temptation is great, I can only advise each person to look into their own heart and make their own decision, for who am I to tell them?
15. Why did you wish an interview with us?
A. I do not really know! It is quite a popular thing now, among those that dwell here, to give you a few words to share with the world, and perhaps I did want the opportunity to say I don't like my work being added to. But that is not all the reason; just to converse with ones you admire, and not to be forgotten, to know that there is STILL an interest in you is important. One likes to feel important, though one should never seek importance. That is something that should come of its own accord.
16. Did you believe in sacrifice?
A. Though sacrifice was sometimes a custom where I was, I really never saw the practicality of it. I could never see where it did any good. But this is perhaps only my nature. I avoided it whenever possible. 1