Confucianism

“Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself ”

-Confucius

Origins

• Confucianism is a way of life taught by Confucius in the 6th–5th century BCE (551–479 BCE) in China.

• Sometimes viewed as a philosophy, sometimes as a religion, Confucianism is perhaps best understood as a way of living one’s life and properly interacting with others.

Adherents

• Approximately 5 to 6 million people follow Confucianism.

• People who follow Confucianism are called Confucians or Confucianists

Views

Principles of Confucianism include:

• Personal and governmental morality

• Correctness of social relationships

• Justice and sincerity• Respect for elders• Respect for parents• Respect for rulers

Views

• Examples:• When the stables were burnt

down, on returning from court, Confucius said, "Was anyone hurt?" He did not ask about the horses.

• Adept Kung asked: "Is there any one word that could guide a person throughout life?"The Master replied: "How about 'shu': never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself?"

Views

• Humaneness, signifying excellent character in accord with:

• li (ritual norms) • zhong (loyalty to one's true nature) • shu (reciprocity – do unto others) and • xiao (filial piety) • Together these constitute de (virtue).

Views

• Confucianism is characterized by a highly optmistic view of human nature.

• Confucius regarded Heaven (T'ien) as a positive and personal force in the universe.

• Specific views on God and heaven are not discussed in Confucianism.

Life’s Purpose

• To fulfill one's role in society with propriety, honor, and loyalty.

Afterlife

• Confucius never discussed his beliefs about what would happen to people after they die.

General Practices

• Aside from its important ethical principles, Confucianism does not prescribe any specific rituals or practices.

• Most people who follow the ethical principles of Confucianism also incorporate practices of Shintoism, Taoism, or Buddhism.

General Practices

• Honesty, politeness, propriety, humaneness, perform correct role in society, loyalty to family, nation

Holy Text(s)

• Analects - • are the most

sacred scripture in the Confucian tradition.

• It is based primarily on the Master's sayings.

Famous Confucius Sayings

• Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do.

Famous Confucius Sayings

• Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves

Famous Confucius Sayings

• I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.

Comparing World Religions• Click on this link to

view Major Religions of the WorldRanked by Number of Adherents.

• You are the only group to see this information and will need to discuss it later in your group.

• http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html