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

” -Confucius

Confucianism

Origins

•

Confucianism

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

•

Analects -

• are the most sacred scripture in the Confucian tradition. • It is based primarily on the Master's sayings.

Holy Text(s)

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 World Ranked 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.adherent

s.com/Religions_By _Adherents.html