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Confucianism

Confucianism

Confucianism (Chinese-jia ru) is the ethics and philosophy based on the teachings originally the ancient Chinese sage and philosopher Confucius. This is a complex system of moral, social, political and religious beliefs apparently primarily based on ethics secular. Confucianism aims to develop civilized people which in turn is expected to usher in a civilized society and, ultimately, peace in the world. It has a huge influence cuture and history of East Asian countries leading to the mistaken belief that it is a state-sponsored religion, though the spread of Confucian values government is not entirely absent. Countries with a strong tradition of Confucianism include China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore and the places settlements of the Han Chinese. The core of his teachings is that someone who is fundamentally good in general leans toward the right. Therefore, it should be the ideal for each man, to be attained by leading a virtuous life, by having a very noble character, and do what he intended to do unselfishly with sincerity and truthfulness. Wise and Saints get to the top of kindness through these foolproof methods, says Confucius. According to him, a princely kind of man is known for his high esteem of virtue and brilliant character, we mean by his clinging nature. The first has dignity, breadth and humility, pride seconds, arrogance and perversity. In a process step step he called Great Learning, Confucius established the order is made self-development, and how spills, to serve the state and benefit mankind. These are:
Research of the phenomena;
Learning;
Sincerity;
The rectitude of purpose;
Self-development;
Family-discipline;
Local self-government and
Universal self-government.

According to Confucius, the king is virtuous, fair, honest and respectful in a good government. Like the North Star, that remain constant in place that gives the other stars as a reference point for what should be the king to lead his subjects. The company said, is composed of five types of relationships: between men and women, parents and children or the elderly and the young, the king / governor and the subject, and friend and friend. A well governed is one in which all people conduct their relationships correctly.

SCRIPTURE

thinking Confucius are mainly available in four writing alongwith a few more:

:

1) The Analects of Confucius in twenty sections are the source books. Written by his students or people close to Confucius, this series contains anecdotes, sayings, teachings and conversations of the wise men with their followers.

2) The philosophy of Mencius - Some confusion exists regarding this work (or two works, according to some). Lun Yu Meng Tzu and were apparently written questions here by students and responses. There are also sections on economics, political theory and psychology. However, another part contains suggestions feudal rulers. The other view is that the first steps to introduce a Confucian thought were taken by two famous principles unconditional, Mencius and Xun Zi for the philosophically fertile period of the Hundred Schools of Thought, who turned Confucianism in an ethical and political doctrine. They had to fight contemporary opposing ideas and convince the emperor then motivated by arguments.Mencius prepared on Confucian ideas of human nature, the requirements of good governance, of morality, and created an idealistic doctrine based on the assumption that human nature is essentially good. Xun Zi was against most of the views of Mencius. Its hypothesis was that humans were by evil inclination, and are forced to be educated by observing various rites in order to highlight the goodness in them. followers Xun Zi went further and suggested a very harsh punishment for deviant trends keep humans under control, a system known as li (loans to a principle Confucian) and the school of thought proposing it as legalistic. This development helped the Qin Shi Huang of Qin dynasty decade or so old (~ 220 BC) to unify China to keep people in fear all the time looking over their shoulders. Ironically, the unification of the country and the conditions of peace laid down by Confucius were achieved by the following measures are diametrically opposed to what he recommends.

3) Ta Hsueh, also known as the Great Learning, is a compendium ethics and politics.

4) Chung Yung or the Doctrine of the Mean was written by Chi Kung, a grandson of Confucius. It is a work of philosophy outline the nature and principles of balanced performance and proper conduct.

DIFFICULTIES

It seems that not much evidence is Confucius there to link (the person) to Confucianism. During his lifeime, their ideas did not gain currency, and often lamented the fact that all the feudal lords found him a job. Like his contemporaries (almost) of Socrates, Jesus and Buddha, there is no direct way to know what were the ideas. In its place is reminiscent of their students, their students and people close to the teacher. As such, it does go through his teaching is not always reliable. To further compound the situation, there widespread repression of dissidents and their thoughts during the reign of the Quins (~ 220 BC), known as the period of "burning books and Burial of" Scholars, about 200 years after the death of Confucius. His writings may have been lost forever had it not been a chance discovery of a cache of his works hidden in the walls of the home of a researcher. Based on these and other fragmentary sources, their ideas could be framed revealing a widely read person intimately aware the problems of his time. He called almost every feudal kings of China for supremacy, and tried to make a difference in their own way with their political and philosophical ideas. The rate of disintegration Zhou Dynasty when Confucius was young (~ 530 BC) convinced him firmly convinced of the importance of his mission to unify China. (This date is in doubt because some scholars that the place in the third century BC.) Anyway, holding up the famous Duke of Zhou late as role model, noted in section 6 of the Analects XVIII - "If right principles prevailed through the empire, there would need to change its state." I wanted to gain political power sufficient to establish a new dynasty in the Zhous lines later, to "make a Zhou dynasty in the East" (Annals XV, 5), and in order, even went so far as to accept an invitation from a rebel. He was still the axiom "uncrowned king" or even could become a prime minister in any hand, and in fact was expelled from a number of states for a number of times. Together with his supporters and students, turned it over (when he was booed and even stop prison) and return to their homeland during the latter half of his life to teaching.

His short answers to questions asked by students are the Analects and are considered the main source of the teachings of Confucius. A somewhat disjointed collection of anecdotes, conversations and questions and answers, the Analects lack coherence. No deductive reasoning, inductive logic or evidence in the texts found in, for example, western philosophical works. Instead, Confucius largely relied on rhetorical forms as analogy, the general truth, statements or aphorisms and observations tautological or self-evident truths, putting them on highly contextualized. As a result, what he says is often blurred and difficult to understand. Another major discrepancy is that different sources place the texts in greater or less chronological order, they always spell uniformly and compounds the issue by differng interpretations. However, Confucius says that there is in their teaching "a unit all-pervading "(Analects XV, 3) and" one single thread binding my way together. "(Analects IV, 15).

After the suspension Quin Dynasty of short duration (~ 220 BC) Confucianism in the Han dynasty revived next. Neo-Confucianism developed during this period (~ second century BC) combined Taoist and Buddhist thought and created a new philosophical system. That became a kind of state religion. In this case there are some disputes as well as Taoism and Buddhism beliefs were totally opposed to some traditions of Confucianism. (For example, in the thought of reincarnation Buddhist.) Apparently, the Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty Confucian texts made the basis of the examination system for entry into government service as an officer mandarins of the nine upper echelons of the Chinese imperial government. Confucianism as a state philosophy in China continued later twentieth century until the present era. Also was regarded as the philosophy of the state in Japan and Korea.

Life of Confucius

In short his life, Confucius said (The Analects II, 4):

At 15 I set my heart on learning; at age 30 firmly took my stand at 40 I had no delusions, 50 I knew the Mandate of Heaven, at 60 my ear was attuned, 70 followed my heart's desire without overstepping the boundaries of law.

K'ung-tze or K'ung-fu-tze was his real name in Chinese, visit the Jesuit priests at the Chinese court in the 17th century Latinized Confucius. In fact, some credit for bringing Confucianism to the current global philosophical thought is who the Catholic missionaries. Furthermore, there is the monumental seven-volume work by Professor Legge under the title of the Chinese classics. From legends and fragmentary evidence, it seems that Confucius was born into a noble family ca, but not too well-off 551 BC C. Province of Lu (now Shan-tung). His father was a distinguished soldier who died when Confucius was very young. To support himself and his mother, Confucius worked as contract staff in a noble, but continued to maintain his habit of extensive reading. At the age of 22 years opened a school to teach the traditional six disciplines (history, poetry, government, ethics, divination and music) which was attended by many students. His fame as a scholar grew, culminating in his appointment as a minister in the state of Lu. The measures taken and policies adopted by him were very effective in improving the conditions of all. Next, the court intrigues begun the Duke of Lu began to ignore his advice and left a mess Confucius government service. This account is disputed by some other scholars who hold that the work Confucius state ever was a junior professor after the death of his mother when he married, fathered a child and then divorced his wife. It was never a cathedral because all the rulers were of the opinion that its truth and honesty would be uncomfortable embarrassing no good in a responsible position.

Sea In any case, all sources agree that was installed in a lifetime of teaching after his travels and died in his 74th year in 478 a. C. (Ie, two years after Buddha's death). Not discouraged by his failure to reform society, and died with courage, saying: "It is an empire in which I make your love!" observed during his life as well as the subsequent period, was eclipsed for a time by kings Quin. In the Han period (second century BC) onwards, he was revered for his knowledge and wisdom and there were altars and images of him in his memory. (The idols were replaced by wooden blocks in which messages were recorded in the 15th century to the present era.) Although was regarded as a wise man, flawless, never gave his scholarship seriously. In "Analects", VII, 18, is described as "in the anxious search of knowledge, forgot your food, and the joy of reaching forgot their sadness. "He held up a dark but cheerful countenance, he liked to recite poetry and loved to play the lute and sing. It was pretty funny as can be inferred from his comment about the loud music: "Why use an ox knife to kill a chicken? "Confucius believed in an omniscient sky and felt that the punishments and rewards of life were the consequences of present actions.

The Confucianism is the essence of social desirability or Li, which according to the master is the greatest principle of life. If a society lives following the principles of Li, lacks of unrest and conflict. Confucius believed that such conditions was possible only in idealized feudal structures. In all these ideal states exercises the functions expected of them, shows kindness to the father son, who rewarded with filial piety. The older brother is shown understanding and love for the youth in order to get respect and humility to change. A measure of justice is the key element in the relationship between husband and wife, while obedience is all that is required of it. The elderly require human being in order to earn the respect of younger people, the benevolent rulers to obtain the loyalty of ministers and subjects. Li also stated in sense of the middle way, the idea of maintaining a sense of proportion in all its principles matters.That not always produce the desired effect can be seen from the breakdown of marriage Confucius. Probably, his measure of justice appeared to be too expensive for his wife later forced her to opt for a divorce.

Confucius said that if someone wants to control or govern others, he has to control himself first. This can be regarded as a paraphrase of the biblical mandate, to make do unto others what you yourself (Confucius, of course, had no way of knowing.). It is also his contention that the beneficial influence of a virtuous king process spans the kingdom all happy. He referred to this idea in the book The Great Learning and combined it with the Taoist concept of wu wei, which means that the less King ago (seen), plus what is done (it is effective). Remaining calm, cool and collected in the center, the king helps to make everything work properly, avoiding interference in small matters. The concept is similar to the Chinese in early shamanic belief wang-sa in which the king is the axis of the earth and sky at the two ends and people the middle. Another interpretation is that this is a ploy by the ministers and advisers to curb king's autocratic tendencies damaging to the people. In Chinese calligraphy represents the character of a line connecting the three levels of the universe. Confucius never said he was saying something new, he said that he was only repeating what was said before long ago. In reality, however, introduced many new ideas. For example, Voltaire and HG Creel greatly admired his (then) revolutionary idea of replacing the noble blood with one of virtue. Before Confucius framed their ideas, Juniz used to mean "noble man" after his writings became known, gradually assumed a new connotation as "gentleman" did in English during a period of time. A commoner cultivate virtuous qualities could therefore call a "gentleman" but a son is not good, "a king is still a" little man "for all purposes. Accepting students of all sectors of society, Confucian showed that was not in favor of the feudal structures in Chinese society.

Another new idea of Confucius is a meritocracy, the emphasis on merit as a criterion, which led

the introduction of the imperial examination system in China. This made it possible for everyone to become a senior government official after qualifying on a test, so that the wealth and the honor of his. Family. The modern public administration is very important contrbution China to world practice. Apparently, the Chinese examination system started in ca 165 a. C., when some candidates for public office were called to the capital China for the examination of moral excellence by the emperor. This process became a habit over time, and anyone wishing to enter the public administration had to pass a written exam. There was a huge demand for staff capable of reading and writng administrative documents during the early Han period. Principles established school jia ru by Confucius 300 years before that time were very helpful, leading to a revival of interest in his teachings, rather than to counter the divisive tendencies of the landed aristocracy. Moreover, their worship of past kings who left their kingdoms to those apparently most qualified rather than older children highlighted the advantages of a method of selection based on merit. The emperors seemed appropriate to China's rule with the principles of Confucius, together with some elements Buddhism and Taoism. Like other scholars, Confucius probably had opposed much of what was going through his teachings in subsequent periods. An example it was the excessive importance given to the rituals of his more recent.

Ritualism

In Analects II, 3, Confucius said:

Lead the people with administrative injunctions and put them in place with the law and avoid punishment, but will be without with a sense of shame. Lead with excellence and put in place through roles and ritual practices, and in addition to developing a sense of shame, They are arranged harmoniously.

It would be seen from the above the unique characteristics of Chinese social value systems. Emphasis is that one should not be ashamed of his behavior and you should always avoid loss of face shameful behavior brings in its wake. During the Warring States period, there was a kind of anarchy, the kings Quin suppressed by enacting harsh laws. Li socially significant property became known as legalism, while ritualism Confucius was called bis. His proposal was that under threat of punishment to keep the flies and the realization of small houses is why it was necessary for them to do so. Introduction to ethics exists, Confucius held that the ritual, patterns of behavior are internalized and exert their influence before actions are taken, so the people behave properly because they fear shame and want to avoid losing face. The idea behind the Rite rituals or "call" is somewhat difficult to understand. The Chinese pictographic script, the character it represents is a vase of flowers on an altar to symbolize the sacrifice to the gods. Confucian interpretation of the same includes courtesy and decency, along with understanding. Thus, rituals are used to distinguish between people, while its use allows people to know at all times Who is the youngest and the oldest, who is the guest and who is the host and so on. Rituals also define the rights of individuals and result of doing the tasks correctly. The assimilation of the sense of ritual is the main process. Therefore the formal behavior becomes a sort of second nature, desires are channeled properly and cultivation of personal qualties takes the form of social correction. Although this idea is against the common saying that "no fairing make the monk ", Confucianism holds that in all sincerity that good behavior is possible an established part of the character of an individual. Therefore, Confucius said:

"Respect, without rites, becomes laborious bustle, care, without the rites, becomes timidity and boldness, without the Rites, becomes the insubordination; simplicity, without the rites, becomes rudeness "(Analects VIII, 2).

The ritual is both a form of balancing between opposing qualities that could lead to conflict. It helps to categorize people and builds hierarchical relationships through protocols and ceremonies. Thus, everyone is given a place in society and an appropriate form of behavior.

Confucius was very attached to music and saw it as an exception the rituals for the quality of the unification of hearts, that transcends all borders. Confucius, however, are not always followed the rite (as repeatedly stated in the Analects). It seems that behaved differently often as when grieving for his favorite disciple, or when he met a fiendish princess (VI, 28).

Subsequently, however, dogmatic ritualistic forget that the ritual is "more than presents of jade and silk" (XVII, 12) departed of what Confucius expected.

Ritual This means "sacrifice" in a religious ceremony. Confucius extended the term to include secular alongwith ceremonial propriety of conduct and courtesy is a part of everyday life. The rituals were regarded as an all-embracing system of norms and codified by Confucius to to revive the etiquette of earlier dynasties At his death, however, he came to be regarded as a great authority on the ritualistic behavior. One of the issues Confucianism is the core of relationships and the rights of different status from a different place in relation to others. Thus, individuals standing at the same time in different degrees of relationships with different people. For example, are younger in relation to their parents and elders, and older people in relation to their children, their younger siblings, students, and others. Young people in Confucianism are required to be reverent to their elders and to serve them, while the elderly are expected to be kind to juniors and concerned for their welfare. This is in many aspects of East Asian culture to this day, with children exercising their filial obligations towards parents and elders, and parents and elders equally aware of their responsibilities to their young.

Take note of the Scriptures

Confucianism as understood now includes not only the teachings of Confucius, but also customs and rituals passed and approved by him and some additions since then. In fact, among the Confucian texts several that are not even in their day were considered sacred relics of the past. There are two kinds of texts designated as "King" (Classics) and "Shuh" (Books). The classics are considered to be more important than the books named. The first, "Shao-king", a treatise on moral and religious, recounts the great events of past history to say that heaven favors the rulers who are friendly with his subjects. The second is called "She-king" or the "Odes." Has 305 short lyric poems, some dating to the Shang dynasty (1766 to 1123 BC) and the rest made up of around 600 BC. The third "Y-king" tells how to read messages in the patterns formed by randomly thrown stems from a native plant, and how to match one or another of sixty-four hexagrams made up of three broken and three unbroken lines. These brief explanations without any logic or reason were apparently was written during the Chow dynasty (1122 BC). Confucius seems memorandum added eight chapters of text and two more were included later. "Li-ki" tract fourth in the series, is a compendium of a large number of documents, most of which date from the earlier part of the Chow dynasty. Set standards of conduct in the minutiae of religious acts of worship, judicial, social and family relations alongwith a dress code is even less present The final manual of the manners of a Chinese culture. In addition to the sayings of Confucius, which contains two long treatises composed by his students. One, known as the Doctrine Average describes the virtuous man or "Chung-yung. The other treatise is called" Ta-hio "or" Ta Hsueh (Great Learning), and is a description of a ruler of virtue. The fifth is a short essay, Spring and Fall, written by Confucius himself. There is also sixth on filial piety, but the opinion is divided over its authorship. The Chinese believe that it is composed of Confucius, while critical scholars say it is written by his disciple, Tsang-tze.

Now, more confusion: Treaties "Doctrine of the Mean" and "Great Learning" were taken out of "Li-ki" This, together with other works Teacher and formed what is known as "Sze-shuh" (Four Books). Anyway, these four books, the first is the "Lun-yu" (Analects), a work of twenty short chapters. It records the daily life of Confucius and his sayings axiomatic historical and moral issues. It was written after his death by one of his disciples, apparently a grandson. The second "Shuh" is the "Book of Mencius", composed about a century later. A great exponent Confucian tradition, his writings on the basis of expertise views on moral issues and was highly praised by his followers, who published name. "Great Learning" and the "Doctrine of the Mean" is the third and fourth "Shuh" respectively.

History of the Canons of Confucius

The tradition of ancient China, Confucius was followed with respect a both monotheistic. Spiritual forms believed to be associated with nature - mountains and rivers, land and grain, in the four quarters of heaven, the sun, moon and stars - were all under heaven, or also known as T'ien Ti (Lord), or Shang-ti (Supreme Lord). Everything was following his command, the moral laws arising from it, and people under his benign gaze. It is all-seeing and punishes wrongdoers by calamities, misfortune and death. This is emphasized in many passages in the Confucian texts to motivate people to do right. Like, for example, said, "that goes against the sky did not have anyone to who can pray. "Another reason for good behavior was the belief that the souls of the relatives were largely dependent on their happiness in the conduct of their living descendants. At the same time, maintained that a virtuous life should be lived to the peace it brings to everyone. Confucius was of the view that all persons born with goodness in their hearts, and lose some of them this pristine quality due to bad influences. It is within their power to control the impulses arising from such influences and perform activities well.

Goodness, according to Confucius, comes from within, and all efforts should be made to maintain this inherent goodness. Like Socrates, he also says that ignorance is the root of all evil and needs to be eliminated by knowledge. This knowledge or learning is available in the ancient texts and codes of conduct and decorum recommended therein. The lives of famous people and celebrities in the past been carried out up as examples to follow. Confucius said that criticism of his friends from high thinking with insight and self-discipline that would facilitate the development of a virtuous character. He advised young people not to fall into a life of comfort. He believed that music was out the good in a person and often sang with her students to the accompaniment of flutes and harps.

Necessary Virtues

To lead a life full of goodness, according to Confucius, one must be gracious and sincere and be aware of filial obligations and proper conduct. In sincerity, I wanted say that one should be truthful and direct in his speech, faithful to his promises and conscience in fulfilling one's duties to others. A person has to behave this way not for gain but for the love of virtue. This person follows the proper rules of conduct in his heart as well as in outward actions, when alone and in the presence of others. Benevolence is considered a friendly relationship for the welfare of others and willingness to help in times of need. This is illustrated in statement, "Benevolence is man" by Mencius, considered a great exponent of Confucian traditions. When asked a guiding principle for all conduct, Confucius said: "Is not mutual goodwill such a principle? What I do not want done to yourself, do not do to others." (Analects XV, 13) Unlike the words of Lao-tze is that the injury should be repaid with kindness, the Confucian principle is "injury avenger of justice, and kindness with kindness "(Analects, XIV, 36). Viewing the matter from the standpoint of practical and legal aspects of social order, he says elsewhere," To repay kindness kindly acts as an incentive for people. To compensate for injury to injury acts as a warning "(Li-ki, XXIX, 11). As for filial obligations, observed: "Filial piety is the root of all virtue ... of all actions of man there is none greater than filial piety." The correction in the teachings Confucius includes the entire range of human behavior and means doing the right thing at the right place. It illustrates the rules of the ceremony, which is not limited to religious rites and rules of moral conduct, but contain a bewildering mass of conventional customs and practices for regulating Chinese etiquette. At the time of Confucius, over three hundred and three thousand under rules of the ceremony were considered sacred, and people used to learn as a guide to right conduct. If the rules are ignored or not followed correctly, was considered as an act of sacrilege.

Ceremonies

There are six major ceremonies contained in the "Li-ki - leveling marriage, funerals, sacrifices, festivals and interviews. Until recently, they have persisted with no change much. Equalization is a gay role when the child is welcomed in when twenty years of age. Family members and guests gather to witness the child to get a square cornered hat and a special name marked his father's most of age, before attending a party. The main purpose of marriage is to get a male child to continue the patriarchal family and ensure that the ancestors are appropriately remembered. The "Li-ki" rules that a young man to marry at the age of thirty and a young woman at twenty. Matchmaking, proposal and acceptance are the responsibilities of parents and the elderly, the couple has nothing to do there. The bride and groom should not wear the same surnameand should not be related. In her wedding dress, the groom goes to bride's house and takes her to his home in a car. There are drink wine in hollowed halves of a melon, and she is considered to have become his wife. Monogamy is the norm, but if he fails to have a child is allowed a concubine to that effect. There are seven reasons that can be separated, infidelity and an inability to have a child are two causes.

Rites of mourning are made and long, and are described in minute detail in the "Li-ki. When a parent dies, his son has a bag of coarse white hemp shakes fasting and lamentation for three days. After the funeral, still using that, have some food to lose weight, and lives in a makeshift hut near the grave for 27 months. When a student suggested that the duel will be reduced to one years, Confucius (as stated in the Analects) was very upset that reveals the degree to which was linked to respect for filial piety. The ceremonies of sacrifice (for the revered ancestors and dead) are equally important and offerings of food are expressing respectful homage of the faithful to the dead, who are invited, are supposed to be present and are thought to enjoy entertainment. Food and drinks are served in abundance, and guests are entertained with music and pantomime. As there are no priests in the Confucian tradition, the ceremonies are carried out by the heads of family (the feudal chiefs and even the king of public functions). Not no formal cult as such, only party. Public functions meant to honor the scholars, scientists and other benefactors. Confucius after death came to be regarded as the greatest public benefactors, and there were sanctuaries where wooden tablets containing his teachings were held in veneration. For example, there is a shrine Wuwei Confucius in the People's Republic of China, one of many in the country. Incidentally, the Chinese government has begun opening of Confucius Institutes in the capitals of several countries. During the time of Confucius (and until recently) used to be a camera or a closet shrine in every house where wooden tablets bearing the names deceased parents and ancestors were met and adored.

Political Views

There was only one form of government in China at the time of Confucius, the traditional monarchy, an extension of the patriarchal family system nationwide. As a parent exercised total control over their children, also did the king over his subjects. This was given absolute authority in the sky, and was called the son of heaven. It was God's decree that good laws enacted and lived a life of virtue in order to set an example to their subjects. The virtuous king won for God and enjoyed prosperity while the wicked suffer a loss. Confucian texts repeatedly stress that subjects under a good king is content and happy and that the ruling not only brings misery to himself unworthy, but also makes its people miserable. He said: "The ruler himself should be virtuous, fair, honest and respectful. A virtuous ruler is like the polar star, to keep his place, makes all the other stars to evolve around them. As is the rule, so it will be the "issues, and added:" It was Tao (way or path of justice) only when Parents were parents, when children were children, the rulers were leaders and ministers were ministers. "

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