The Convergence of Confucian Ethics and Buddhist Wisdom

This is a record of an interview with Confucius, who now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. He reflects upon his life and teachings from over two millennia ago, offering a perspective on the integration of Confucian ethics and Buddhist wisdom for the modern world. This dialogue was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia on April 7, 2025.

Confucius speaks:

"I have arrived. I am deeply grateful to the compassionate Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su for once again granting Confucius the opportunity to send a message from the Western Pure Land. I wish to discuss with everyone the 'Life and Education of Buddha and Confucius' as well as the 'Universal Earth View of Buddha and Confucius.' These are the topics Namo Amituofo has set for me.

Namo Amituofo possesses the wisdom to know the heart of every country, every person, and every being on Earth throughout the Dharma Realm. Buddha’s teachings are the teachings of the heart; therefore, they can penetrate the relationship between the heart, the Dharma Realm, the Earth, and all beings.

The Essence of the True Self

As the saying goes, 'all Buddhas walk the same path.' The most precious aspect of Buddha’s teachings lies in telling everyone that every person inherently possesses their own true nature. This true nature is also the Buddha-nature. The true nature should be the ultimate goal for anyone seeking the source of existence. In Confucian thought, what is mentioned is the relationship between people and their countries, families, and bodies. However, Buddha’s teachings permeate the vastness of the Dharma Realm. The Earth is but a tiny particle in this void, and every individual is also a part of this void. Can we then expand this heart to be as vast as the Dharma Realm? Is the Dharma Realm boundless? Yes, that is the answer. That is the true nature.

Confucian thought is meticulous and is what we follow in traditional Chinese ethics and morality. Through the educational concepts passed down, it encourages people to be kind to their neighbours, to cultivate themselves so that their families are harmonious, and to allow society to maintain long-term stability. When a country is stable, the weather is naturally favourable. The individual, Confucianism, and nature are inextricably linked. In this regard, traditional Chinese ethical thought and many concepts of Buddha’s teachings are in harmony. Buddha’s teachings encompass traditional ethical thought, covering everything from the most subtle details to the holistic view of the universe. This is the subtlety of the heart.

Breaking Through the Limits of the Self

Confucianism has its limits; much of its education is within a finite scope. Buddha’s teachings, however, are infinite. Therefore, they can break through again and again until one merges with the vastness of the Dharma Realm, until there is not a single trace of pollution in the heart. This state of pure goodness is the state of the Buddha-heart. The Buddha-heart is the heart that every one of us originally possesses, but it is now covered and sealed by dust. Only the power of Buddha’s teachings can open it.

Today, as I observe the situation of countries on Earth, people’s hearts are becoming increasingly narrow, leaving the body unable to breathe or stretch. They place the 'self' at the centre, creating problems of selfishness and ego. The 'Great Self' spoken of in Confucianism refers to the country, while the individual is the 'Small Self.' When the Small Self is expanded to infinity, the Great Self is diminished.

The Small Self must exist and stand within the Great Self under certain conditions, which has given rise to utilitarianism. Under utilitarianism, a force of self-interest has formed—a force that every individual, including national leaders, finds impossible to resist. This has caused traditional Chinese ethics to be compressed to the extreme, or even to vanish entirely, leading to all sorts of problems.

The Path to Awakening

One must know that Confucianism is a way to settle one’s life and cultivate oneself. This is a form of personal self-discipline; it is not meant to restrict human activity or behaviour. Instead, it helps people discover the immensely powerful, pure energy within their hearts. This pure energy can only manifest in an unpolluted state, and when this pure energy is fully revealed, it is the Awakening of one's true nature.

Therefore, Buddha’s teachings and Confucianism are, in fact, not in conflict and can coexist. If the two can be integrated, it will fill individuals, families, schools, society, countries, and even the entire Earth with harmony, kindness, gratitude, and compassion. It will give people the wisdom not to slaughter or harm one another, and not to start wars for the sake of selfish interests, thereby harming the people and the creatures of the Earth.

China’s five thousand years of history have been filled with frequent wars. This is because although people have been nurtured by the education given to us by our ancestors—Confucian thought—as they grow, they are simultaneously confronted by selfish interests they cannot resist. This leads to an inability to live in peace, resulting in wars and strife. The most direct victims are the common people. A benevolent ruler is hard to find! In the past, we called them benevolent rulers; in modern society, we call them presidents or prime ministers.

Speaking to the Modern Heart

When Confucius wishes to express a meaning using words that modern people can accept and understand, the right terms naturally emerge. Therefore, in this interview, please do not be surprised if you hear such terms. In the Western Pure Land, every wish is fulfilled; if it is in accordance with the Truth and the Dharma, one receives what one seeks. This is the great compassion of Namo Amituofo.

As the founder of Confucianism, when I speak of the circumstances of two thousand five hundred years ago, I must use words that modern people can understand. If I were to speak in the classical Chinese of the past, many would be deterred and fail to listen further to the words of Confucius. That would be a pity! After all, if one can hear or see one or two sentences that are beneficial and can change one’s behaviour, then these words of Confucius are worth it. After all, the human heart is shaped by years of environmental cultivation and educational indoctrination. How can the words of Confucius alone generate the power to influence the human heart? That depends on each person’s karmic fortune. These words are not something that could be obtained from the people of the Spring and Autumn period or found in the Analects.

The Analects were written down by my disciples and their followers. Today, many scholars and students in schools are still studying, understanding, and reciting them. Many of the concepts within them do not depart from the universal principles, the Truth, and the Right Way. They can be applied to modern times, but because they are conceptual terms that require intuitive understanding, modern people find them difficult to grasp and thus cannot derive benefit. Therefore, in these two days of interviews, seeing this situation, I have changed my approach to express myself in plain language that modern people can understand, hoping that everyone can benefit.

The Reality of Spiritual Interference

Furthermore, it is understandable that there will be some contradictions and obstacles in the process of transformation. Since ancient times, Buddhas and demons have stood on opposite sides, each with their own positions and views. With the boundlessness of Buddha’s teachings, they naturally encompass the realm of demons. Namo Amituofo, with his Dharma Body, understands every being, every demon, every earthly creature, and even every molecule of air. What is thought in the heart, the Buddha knows; what the eyes see, the Buddha knows; their past, present, and future, the Buddha understands even more clearly.

In this situation, everyone should understand that Buddha’s teachings encompass everything. Of course, Confucianism and Taoism are also included. This is inclusivity and integration. The core thoughts and culture of Confucianism seem out of reach for modern people. This is because, in addition to the differences in terminology and understanding, there is also the interference of demon crowds. This part is rarely mentioned in the education of people, whether in Confucianism, Buddhism, or Taoism. This does not mean that demon crowds do not exist, but because one must have immense power to face their interference.

When people form thoughts, if they enter into evil thoughts rather than good ones, demon crowds can interfere. This point is too subtle; many people or beings are unaware of it. If people have evil thoughts, they are interfered with and easily used by demonic beings to harm others and themselves. Therefore, ancient sages and ancestral masters, in order to protect people, mentioned what they could regarding demon crowds and their interference. However, there are still many truths that have not been revealed, have been lost, or have been covered up, which is the reason why demon crowds are so rampant today.

The Transformation at Hsiang Kuang

We in the Western Pure Land observe the situation in the human world. This situation has changed since the existence of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This change is the reduction in the distribution and number of demon crowds. This is not an easy thing. Especially on Earth, from the original kind nature of people to the current excessive subjectivity that denies or covers up Confucian thought or traditional ethics and morality, one can see that there are many demon crowds interfering.

Coming from Confucius, these words might cause some who do not yet understand the truth to feel resistance, rejection, or fall into superstition. Yes, it is true that in today’s society, we see many things that are seemingly correct but are actually bizarre and supernatural. They use people’s fragile hearts to deceive them, leading to suffering, great physical and mental harm, and even fraud. But what Confucius wants everyone to understand now is that the original rampant state of demon crowds and the current situation where they are subdued or have changed their nature for the better are two completely different directions.

The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a place of the True Teachings. If it were not a place of the True Teachings, Confucius would not appear here. Therefore, what I say is in the hope that people can trust it, and then it can be of help. Any school of thought has its theoretical background; the most important thing is to be of help to the human heart and the entire environment. This help means entering a world of harmony, kindness, mutual aid, and gratitude, rather than entering a state of mutual hostility, comparison, resistance, or the strong bullying the weak.

The Universal Law of Cause and Effect

Although there is no lack of such situations in Chinese history, if it were not for the Confucian thought and education of our ancestors, or the help of Buddha’s teachings to calm and educate the human heart, these situations would be even more uncontrollable. Education on the laws of karma and cause and effect is extremely important; Confucianism and Taoism emphasize it, and Buddha’s teachings even more so. The education on cause and effect in Buddha’s teachings is a common law for the six realms of existence in the worldly realm, including people, heaven, and the universe beyond heaven—that is, the common law of the ten Dharma realms.

The ten Dharma realms are actually a term that covers a boundless scope. Some people do not understand the Dharma Realm, so if we use the term 'universe and void,' and if they can understand that, then please accept that the universe and void are also covered by Buddha’s teachings. It can be said that the cause and effect spoken of in Buddha’s teachings influence the human realm on Earth, the worldly realm, and even extend to the ten Dharma realms of the universe. This scope is even broader and boundless. Cause and effect are part of the universal principles, the Truth, and the Right Way. Many things, if not explained clearly for people to understand, will lead them to be frequently tempted while living in the world. Their desires may be satisfied, but they fall into the terrifying trap of fearing no cause and effect, and they suffer painful retribution.

If people believe that cause and effect do not exist, such a life will be deviant and strange. Even if they follow the law and various regulations in their lives, their hearts are in danger. If they are fortunate, they can live with a kind heart and perform kind deeds, without evil thoughts or actions, then congratulations. If they are unfortunate enough to receive negative views, or even interference from demon crowds, and yet they fear no cause and effect, allowing evil thoughts and actions to occur repeatedly, the consequence of not fearing cause and effect will be the retribution of hell.

The Boundless Nature of the Dharma

The existence of hell is an indisputable fact. Those whose vision is opened can see the state of hell, regardless of which country, language, skin colour, or race. Universal principles, the Truth, and the Right Way do not have these limitations; even visible and invisible lives are covered within them. Open your mind-capacity; this heart is boundless. Even those who have no heart, those who have merged with the void of the heavenly realms and the void of the Dharma Realm, can explain this matter thoroughly and clearly. For those who lecture on the Dharma and can observe the capacity of the audience, they can use words that the other party can understand to explain the truth. If you can meet such a lecturer, it is rare and hard to encounter. If you can hear them, do not give up, do not leave, but continue to listen to the Dharma. There is Dharma within the Dharma, and there is no fixed Dharma, but none of it deviates from the universal principles, the Truth, and the Right Way. This is the brilliance of the lecturer and the observer of capacity; only Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and those who have realised their true nature can achieve this. And this achievement is for the purpose of teaching beings, allowing them to also become those who can achieve, to realise their true nature, and to become Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. This is the main function of education. The original nature of man is just like this.

Today, what Confucius says integrates the Dharma heard from Namo Amituofo in the Western Pure Land, as well as the thoughts I had while in the world, and further observes the current situation on Earth. I hope the public can accept it. More importantly, Namo Amituofo is currently residing at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This is a very rare and hard-to-encounter event. Namo Amituofo has many merits, much energy, and many abilities, all of which are to be given to everyone. It should be said that immeasurable and boundless merits, compassion, and energy are to be given to every being, but beings must be willing to accept them in order to receive them. The fastest way is to respectfully chant the Holy Name 'Namo Amituofo,' chanting each Buddha-name with a respectful and sincere heart; the influence is immeasurable.

Even Confucius, who is now in the Western Pure Land, must have the Buddha in his heart, chanting the Buddha’s name at all times, chanting Namo Amituofo, hoping to awaken the Buddha within his heart. Looking at it this way, Confucius still has much to purify and much to learn from Namo Amituofo. After what I know and see is purified and integrated, I must tell everyone. This is the ability that an educator should possess.

The Importance of Buddhist Education

In life, there are many difficulties and misunderstandings, just like a blocked drain that needs to be cleared to be smooth. This clearing, to extend the meaning, requires the education of Buddha’s teachings, and also requires the education of Confucianism. Now, we can see that in some Pure Land bodhimandas, traditional Confucian morality is being promoted, which is a very good situation. But in this, one must understand that this is only a part of the heart; more importantly, one must find back the part of 'no-heart,' which is the true nature. At this time, the guidance of Buddhist education is needed to see the problems of every being, to untie the knots of confusion, and to clear the blockages. When the confusion is resolved and the blockages are cleared, the channels of the whole body are smooth, without any confusion. Naturally, wisdom opens wide, and one understands instantly—understanding everything at once, Awakening and realising one's true nature.

Those who have realised their true nature are rare treasures. No matter where they are or in what space, they can solve problems as they arise. This is the treasure! Many times, problems cannot be solved, and people use their own methods to solve them, leading to even bigger problems. In Buddha’s teachings, or those who have realised their true nature, they can observe and use methods well to solve problems. In higher spiritual realms, there is no fixed Dharma. How to deal with a situation depends entirely on how the person applies it. The methods are boundless; Buddha’s teachings speak of 84,000 Dharma gates, each of which counteracts different problems of beings. In fact, why is there originally no Dharma to speak of? That is because everything is clear in the true nature, and Prajna wisdom can flow smoothly anywhere. So, where are the blockages? So, what is there that is not understood? There are no blockages, nothing that is not understood, so where does the Dharma come from?

However, for people and practitioners who have not yet realised their true nature, there are many blockages and much confusion, and they need the Dharma to clear them. For some people, Confucian thought is the Dharma, but it is not ultimate; the ultimate Dharma is Buddha’s teachings. But if the conditions have not yet matured, and those who have not been able to come into contact with Buddha’s teachings are reached by Confucianism, then if ethical morality has a chance to be passed down and purify the body, heart, and spirit, it is the precursor and preparation for Buddhist education, which is even better! Naturally, when one advances to a certain level, one will be able to accept Buddhist education, and the understanding will be even faster.

A Call to Peace and Deliverance

Therefore, all Buddhas walk the same path; please do not reject each other. Buddha’s teachings and Confucianism are mutually integrated, mutually respectful, and mutually inclusive. This can change the human heart, allow people to leave suffering and gain happiness, stay away from the suffering of old age, sickness, and pain, stay away from the demands of karmic creditors or the presence of attached spirits, and even stay away from the control of demon crowds caused by the deviation of thoughts after leaving the righteous path. This is a problem for many modern people; there is no need to avoid it, and it can be laid out and spoken of directly.

Wise people and those who have no-heart can all provide guidance and resolution to the public, allowing them to walk on the righteous path. This is the important mission of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. For people, this is a great grace—the body can avoid aging and sickness, and one can even make a vow to chant the Buddha’s name and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, avoiding the suffering of the separation of the four elements, and living in the magnificent and joyful environment of the Western Pure Land. I hope the public can change their space, and this space is the most magnificent space in the Dharma Realm and the universe—the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, which is where Confucius is now.

I also hope that all beings in the universe, the void, and the Dharma Realm—beings with bodies or without, visible or invisible—can hear the words of Confucius. People call me Confucius; that is fine. What is a name if not an illusion, a representation of emptiness? But if used well, one can gain benefits; if listened to well, one can directly change one’s thoughts; if practised well, one will not enter the evil paths to suffer, and will even enter the process of Buddha-actions.

The words of Confucius end here today. With palms joined respectfully, I chant 'Namo Amituofo' to all those who hear the Dharma and those who see and hear this.

Namo Amituofo"