On the evening of Wednesday 22 September 2021, the National Unitarian Fellowship treated us to an unusual online talk – ‘Chinese Religions’. Roger Mason, who has lived and worked in China for much of his life, talked about their three main faith traditions: Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, followed by a lively discussion. It was fascinating to hear about the spiritual paths followed by millions of people, yet which many of us here in the UK know little about, and a reminder that the human spiritual heritage is much wider that we often realise. As Roger notes, none of these traditions are monotheistic, which is a more familiar tradition to Westerners, but yet as human beings we respond to universal words of wisdom, for example the Confucian lesson:

His disciple Zi Gong asked, “Is there a single word that one can follow as a guide?” Confucius said, “Yes. It is perhaps, the word ‘forgiveness’. Do not impose upon others what you do not desire yourself.”

And the Taoist words of wisdom (in Arthur Waley’s translation):

Truly, “Only he that rids himself forever of desire can see the Secret Essences”. He that has never rid himself of desire can see only the Outcomes.