Jae Young ParkChinese Religion17 March 2011Mencius’s Perspective on Human’s Original NatureMencius, one of the outstanding scholars of Confucianism, maintained that humans’ original nature is virtuous from the birth. The book “盟子: Mencius” refers to Mencius’s sayings and teachings. In the book, Mencius clearly states that human’s original nature is good. Many scholars of the religion have argued over the issue of original nature. Therefore, it is important to understand Mencius’s teachings and thoughts on the subject. Since he studied under 子思: Zisi, the grandson of Confucius, the teachings of Confucius was well succeeded to him. Due to the influence of Confucius, he considered “mind” to be a crucial key to complete one’s virtue. When one tries hard to be virtuous, one may become complete. On the other hand, Mencius understood the impact of outward disturbance to forming humanity: As one lives through his or her life, one may encounter environmental and biological restraints that may fnt that Mencius believed to be true is that humans are born with for 四端: sì duān which refers to four categories of virtues in mind: 恻隐之心, 羞恶之心, 辞让之心, and 是非之心. 惻隱之心: cèyǐn zhī xīn is “Benevolence” to be pitiful and sympathetic for the ones in trouble; 羞恶之心: xiū ě zhī xīn (羞惡之心) is “Righteousness” to be ashamed of injustice; 辞让之心: cí ràng zhī xīn (辭讓之心) is “Propriety” to be respectful and careful for others; 是非之心: shìfēi zhī xīn is “Wisdom” to be wise and judicious to judge good and evil. These are the four minds that humans have from their birth. Mencius uses this concept of four virtues to distinguish humans from savage. He further addresses to the role of education in proceeding to the ultimate goal of “仁义 礼 智: rényì lǐ zhì(仁義禮智),” which refers to following and securing all of the four virtues. Once one reaches to the goal, one may obtain true gentility.In his discussion with King Xuan of Qi, he emphasizes education in stabilizing virtue within human’s heart: “'They are only men of rtues to human mind from worldly seduction. In his sixth book of “Mencius,” he reveals a story that shows his concerns with pursuing the return of virtuous mind:"The greenery on Oxen Mountain was once beautiful, but since it was near a large city, it was attacked by lumberjacks. How could it retain its beauty? Still, by breathing in the sunlight and rain, how could new buds and sprouts not appear? But then cattle and sheep came and fed themselves, and by the time they were done, it was completely barren” (Mencius 6A8).In this story, the beautiful Oxen Mountain is the virtue alive in human’s heart. However, its beauty and freshness is ruined as lumberjacks and animals eat up its trees and flowers. In the language of humanity, those which consume and ruin the goodness of mind are “the enjoyment of evil doings,” such as worldly pleasure and vulgar temptation. At first, humans struggle to recover their morality and goodness, and they restore them. However, after constant disturbances, humaeek it. The way of study and inquiry is none other than the search for the lost mind."The reason that people easily neglect their loss of virtue is not clearly stated in the sixth book. However, humans may infer that since virtues in mind are invisible, they are likely to be forgotten. From this perspective, Mencius’s arguments and teachings should be kept in mind. Humans ought to remember that true virtues reside in their own hearts, so that they must fight to defend them. In the story above, Mencius inspires people to look into themselves and ask for benevolence, for that it is in them. He encourages them by saying “the search for the lost mind” is as uncomplicated as looking for chickens and dogs.In the sixth book of “Mencius,” he also provides a metaphoric story in which he chastises humans’ helplessness and irresponsibility for their original nature. He uses an example of finger to address the importance of retrieving for straight mind."We know enough to be bothered when our fingevery of virtues in mind has certain limits. Consistent disregards for human nature will result in permanent loss of virtues. I believe Mencius’s theory of virtuous original nature is effective in motivating people to strive for search of virtue in their own lives. It is encouraging that there will be an answer to becoming a sage in ourselves rather than anywhere else. Thus, if humans try to look for it, they will achieve their goals. I consider his argument a convincing motivation to mankind’s searching for morality.Mencius is reasonable in saying that humans easily overlook their virtues getting injured and broken, while they pay careful attention to outward aspects. Mencius does not argue that keeping tidy and healthy outlooks is unimportant. However, he teaches, in order to achieve truthful humanity, humans should understand that without benevolence and justice in mind, no one can become truly rich and healthy. Since minds are not invisible possession like fingers, chickens, or mone2