Easten Religion

7/1/2018 Confucianism - 18.SU.REL.1111.C50 EASTERN RELIGIONS

https://elearn.sinclair.edu/d2l/le/content/112110/viewContent/3876291/View 1/4

C o n fu ci u s s a i d : "C u l t i v a t ed p eo p l e rea ch u p w a rd . P et t y p eo p l e rea ch d o w n w a rd ." - Th e A n a l ect s , 14: 24

Printer-friendly version

" Si n c e r i ty i s th e w a y to h e a v e n … He w h o po sse sse s

si n c e r i ty i s h e w h o , w i th o u t a n e ffo r t, h i ts w h a t i s

r i g h t… He w h o a tta i n s si n c e r i ty i s h e w h o c h o o se s

w h a t i s g o o d a n d � r m l y h o l d s fa st." - Th e A n a l e c ts

There are many schools of philosophy in Confucianism and

while you will recognize some elements that are similar to

Buddhism and Taoism, Confucianism has its own distinct set

of rules, virtues and beliefs. A system of moral, social, political,

philosophical, and religious elements, Confucianism has had a

t rem en d o u s i n � u en ce on East Asian culture, history and

art.

In Confucianism, it is believed that humans are able to achieve perfection through their own s el f cu l t i v a t i o n and self creation, centered in the highest virtue and moral perfections.

Confucianism, which is practiced today mostly in China, Taiwan, Korean, Japan, Vietnam and Singapore, can be summed up with the "G o l d en Ru l e" philosophy, focused on kindness, sincerity, honesty, compassion and benevolence toward our fellow human beings. This is our key to true happiness.

C o n fu c i u s

Born in 551 BCE (around the same time as the Buddha and

Lao Tzu), Confucius was from a noble family, raised in a time

period where China was divided into small kingdoms, and

made his living as a teacher. Confucius originally was named

K'ung Ch'iu and then renamed K'ung fu Tzu, which means

"M a s t er K o n g ."

7/1/2018 Confucianism - 18.SU.REL.1111.C50 EASTERN RELIGIONS

https://elearn.sinclair.edu/d2l/le/content/112110/viewContent/3876291/View 2/4

C o n fu ci u s s a i d : "D o n o t b e co n cern ed a b o u t o t h ers n o t a p p reci a t i n g yo u . Be co n cern ed a b o u t yo u r n o t a p p reci a t i n g o t h ers ." - Th e A n a l ect s

Confucianism arises out of a period of s o ci a l u p h eav a l and

political turmoil in China. Witnessing poverty, turmoil,

oppression and suffering will greatly in�uence the teachings

of Confucius, who emphasized the creation of highly

virtuous (or "excellent") individuals who would be China's

social leaders. These new leaders would help rectify many of

the problems and imbalances that their current society

faced.

Much like the Greek Philosopher Plato, Confucius believed

that a harmonious society was only possible with

h a rm o n i o u s i n d i v i d u a l s and if individuals followed proper morals and virtues, as leaders, they would

encourage this behavior among everyone else. Politically, Confucius felt that if a leader was just, his

followers would be just and vice versa. Basically, it's a kind of "pay it forward" idea (or again, Golden Rule)

which would result in a harmonious and happy society.

Be l i e fs

For Confucianism, ed u ca t i o n is essential.

A well rounded, holistic education, focused

not only on book learning, but on music,

the arts (especially ca l l i g ra p h y !) and

religion is highly valued and is considered

the key to happiness.

In addition, s o ci a l i n t era ct i o n ,

contributing to others' well being,

reverence and care for the young and elderly, and an overall sense of individual (and communal) importance

is essential. In a perfect society, Confucianism teaches that every s i n g l e i n d i v i d u a l would feel protected

and important. No one feels alone, but cared for and a part of a greater good. In other words, their voice and

existence counts.

Confucianism's ideal is the C h u n Tzu or the "noble person." It's interesting to compare Confucianism to

Taoism. While they have much in common, Confucianism is focused more on the Tao of the h u m a n ,

p h y s i ca l w o rl d , not in the metaphysical. They are focused on s o ci a l h a rm o n y more than spiritual

immortality. Confucianism also believes that harmony and balance does not come naturally, but is

something that humans must train and work for through lots of d i s ci p l i n e. And �nally, Confucians do not

emphasize focus in isolation as Taoists often do, but instead feel we thrive best in co m m u n i t y and social

relations.

F i v e Re l a ti o n sh i ps

1. F a t h er a n d So n - Children obey and respect their parents and parents provide education and morality

for their children. It is a mutual obligation, with parents caring for their infants and later in life, grown

children taking care of their elderly parents. Even after they pass, the children will honor their parents'

7/1/2018 Confucianism - 18.SU.REL.1111.C50 EASTERN RELIGIONS

https://elearn.sinclair.edu/d2l/le/content/112110/viewContent/3876291/View 3/4

memories with photos and meticulous grave maintenance.

This parent-child relationship is considered to foundation

of society for Confuncians.

2. Bro t h ers - In many Eastern languages, there are speci�c

words to distinguish age levels of brothers, since an elder

brother's responsibilities are different than a younger

brother's. The older brother teaches the younger siblings

and is responsible for their well being. If the father of the

house dies, it is the older brother that will become the

paternal �gure and role model.

3. H u s b a n d a n d W i fe - Each is responsible for the other's care and well being. While not really

embodying our western "romantic" ideals of marriage, Confucian partnership is focused more on

caretaking, protection and nurturing.

4. El d erl y a n d Yo u n g - The young are expected to show

respect and reverence to the elderly while the elderly have a

responsibility to teach and provide for younger generations.

A mentor or teacher/student relationship is very key to this

component. Interestingly, the Chinese characters for

"teacher" literally translate as "ea rl i er- b o rn ."

5. Ru l er a n d Su b j ect - A ruler takes on a father-�gure role

and the subjects are like his children. So, a lot of the

Ruler/Subject structure will be based on the Father/Son

dynamic. This �fth element shows that our respect, manners

and duty are extremely important even outside of our immediate family unit.

We are always expected to give our best and to treat others around us as we would treat our own families

and children. Again, the ultimate focus is on res p ect and reverence and humility (evident in the Chinese

practice of b o w i n g ). There are several types of bows to indicate the nature of the relationship or dynamic.

G i ft - g i v i n g is also common with interactions, including ceremonies, funerals, or just meeting someone

new.

Our western minds may be weary of a social order or hierarchy at �rst, but Confuncians feel by having a

clear understanding of these relationships, we can reach our maximum potential for our talents and

success, resulting in not only a harmonious home, but a harmonious society. Rel a t i o n s h i p s and s o ci a l

ro l es are therefore paramount in Confucianism.

V i r tu e s

While social harmony arises out of these Five Relationships, p ers o n a l excel l en ce is rooted in the

fo l l o w i n g � ve v i rt u es . Focused on individuality sincerity, honesty, and uniqueness, these highly revered

virtues are the key to happiness and harmony.

7/1/2018 Confucianism - 18.SU.REL.1111.C50 EASTERN RELIGIONS

https://elearn.sinclair.edu/d2l/le/content/112110/viewContent/3876291/View 4/4

Ren (jen) - Benevolence, kindness or politeness.

L i - Being appropriate and proper (for example,

dressing accordingly for the occasion, being polite and

humble, etc.)

Sh u - Reciprocity or doing unto others as you would

have done unto you. The Golden Rule philosophy again.

Xi a o - Filial Piety or devotion to our elders/parents.

Valuing our families and ancestors.

Wen - Culture. A love and pursuit of the arts. A "Renaissance" person so to speak.

C o n fu c i a n L i te ra tu r e

There is much wisdom literature within Confucianism, the most

authoritative being the Five Classics and Four Books (you can

read in more detail about these in your Molloy Text, in Chapter 6).

The most famous (and most quoted) are Th e A n a l ect s , which are

sayings of Confucius and his followers. As you can see with the

quotes in this lesson, they often begin with the phrase, "The

Master said," or "Confucius said."

This is where we get the modern, often parodied expression, "Confucius say..."