Therefore, it is believed that the ancestors return after…
““Therefore, it is believed that the ancestors return after a lapse of tiem as if to a general and spiritual reservoir from which they will sooner or later unite once more with human bodies and human souls as their stimuli and impulses to life. ... Such is more or less the idea of Confucianism. And the only exception is that all human beings are not viewed as equally immortal. Whoever has harmonized his nature and caused his existence to be so effective as to emanate magical powers because they can transform and act creatively, such a person will not return after death. He will not be a Kuei, but a Shen. Shen means someone divinely effective -- man as hero, who is connected with the entire cultural complex. The duration of the culture is also his duration, because his life endures in the pantheon of this culture.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Immortal souls return unless they achieve extraordinary cultural impact, becoming divine agents.
In simple terms: Only those who profoundly shape culture avoid ordinary rebirth.
Key Takeaway
Strive for lasting cultural contribution.
Themes
spirituality
immortality
culture
legacy
heroism
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
ancient-china:1
confucianism:1
i-ching:0
sooner or later:0
the-occult:0
shen means:1
idea confucianism:0
ancestors return:0
confucianism exception:0
When to use this quote
- academic study
- cultural projects
- personal legacy planning
Key Concepts
confucianism
philosophy
mythology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “lasting cultural impact” mean to you?
- How can you contribute to cultural heritage?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations vary across traditions; claim may be symbolic.