Confucianism

1
Confucianism
Do not do to others what you do not want done to
yourself -Confucius
2
Origins

• Confucianism is a way of life taught by Confucius
  in the 6th5th century BCE (551479 BCE) in
  China.
• Sometimes viewed as a philosophy, sometimes as a
  religion, Confucianism is perhaps best understood
  as a way of living ones life and properly
  interacting with others.

3
Adherents

• Approximately 5 to 6 million people follow
  Confucianism.
• People who follow Confucianism are called
  Confucians or Confucianists

4
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

5
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?"

6
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).

7
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.

8
Lifes Purpose

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

9
Afterlife

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

10
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.

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General Practices

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

12
Holy Text(s)

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

13
Famous Confucius Sayings

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

14
Famous Confucius Sayings

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

15
Famous Confucius Sayings

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

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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.ht
  ml