Total Confucianism Notes

Madeline Maher, Sumer Batchelor, Amanda McQuade,

and Kaitlyn Mozer
Question Number One
FOUNDATIONS
Social and ethical philosophy, not religion
Built upon values, institutions, and ideals
Chinese society

BEGAN
c. 500 BCE
China
Master Kong (Kongzi, Confucius, 551-479 BCE)

Not intended for new religion

Interpret and revive religion of Zhou Dynasty

Social rituals instead of worship

Shaping Chinese social relationships and moral thought
Originally composed as political/moral doctrines with
teachings of Confucius
Later teachings of Mencius and Xunzi became apart of it
Everyday stuf
We do not know yet how to serve man, how can we know
about serving the spirits? We dont know yet about life, how can
we know about death? -Confucius
Humanism
Kind leaders
Inner moral harmony

Question Number Two

Since the growing of the social upheavals of pre imperial china, it often competed
and was attacked by other religions such as daoism, mohism, and legalism. During
the Han dynasty (206 BC- 220 AD) Confucianism was considered the orthodoxy in
China. After the fall of this time period, the religion remained dormant and severely
declined. It revived during the Tang Dynasty (960 AD- 1279 AD), then came along
what was called neo-confucianism. Neo confucianism was built off of its original
form, but was more ethical, moral, and metaphysical, which became more prominent
during the ming and the song dynasties. During the 20th century, became the time of
chinese Marxism and the rise of communist china, and the rise of anti-confucianism.
This was because people thought the religion was scientifically and politically
backwards. From then until now, confucianism in its native birthplace in china, is

only famous for being a theme in political campaigns.However, in Taiwan, Hong

Kong, Confucianism is still an orthodoxy. It is still popular amongst chinese scholars
in the west

Question Number Three

3. Does your religion have a sacred text? Describe it. when was it written?
Who was it written by? How was this text passed on to future generations?
The Confucian canon, these writings were meant for Confucius a famous
philosopher of China but not a single word was written by him, the 4 books were
written entirely by his students after his death. These 4 books were put into their
present state by Chu Hsi in the late twelfth century C.E. There are also the Confucian
analects (written by Lun Yu), and the Ta Hs-eh, The Great Learning from The Book
of Ritual (written by Li Chi) along with a few others written by these amazing
scholars. These great books teaching were passed down through families by the
older citizens, such as parents, grandparents or older siblings.

Question Number Four4. Does Confucianism have a sacred site or

place? Describe it. Where is this site? Why is it important?
Confucianism, unfortunately does not have a so called Holy Place but some
sites are considered holier or divine than others. There are not many sites in the
country this religion started in, china, but there is mount Tai in the Shandong
province, and Qufu, the birthplace of Confucianism.In Qufu, there is the tomb of
Confucius, the temple of Kong Miao,and The family mansion, Kong Fu. Qufu is
considered one of the holiest places in the world. Other countries are that have
confucianism sites are Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Some of these sites
are Taipei Confucian temple, Taiwan, Koshi-Byo in Nagasaki, Japan, and the
most confucianism temples are located in Korea.

Question Number Five

Confucianism symbols

yin yang

ideogram

confucian symbol

yin yang- symbolizes the balance in nature between opposing forces. Important to
confucianism because yin and yang is central to philosophy as a whole.
Ideogram- Represents the source of life in chinese philosophy. Water is symbolized by
this ideogram
Confucian symbol- Used to represent confucianism. It means total righteousness and
harmony within yourself and others. Also used in wedding ceremonies in chinese
philosophy

Question Number Six

Confucius had a bunch of these philosophies that now everyone follows so its not an
actual religion that can be fully defined. It is mainly a system of social behavior so some
ways to show worshiping is to show respect by helping elders, continuing the family by
marrying and having children. Another way is to also bring no shame into the family
legacy. They do believe in Taoism though which means the great ultimate change.
Confucians dont celebrate their own holy or religious day, but they do celebrate
Confucius birthday which is on September 28th. Instead they do celebrate other ones
like Easter, and the Ching Ming festival. The Ching Ming festival is celebrated 106 days
after the winter solstice and families visit their ancestors or relatives graves. They
practice this way so hope to live an ideal moral life while on Earth.

Question Number Seven

MAJOR BELIEFS

Believes in the goodness of man, but without good

teaching, etc man would become evil
Harmony
Obedience to parents and authority
People should be trained and act properly in their roles
Reciprocity (do unto others as they have done to you,
whether good or bad)
Education is very important
Ancestors should be worshipped-they provide guidance
Politeness=important
Yin and Yang- opposite forces that keep harmony
Each person has a place in society, to fulfill that society will
be in harmony
In a relationship, there is a superior and inferior, except in
friend-friend
Five virtues are

expressions

Goodwill, empathy, generosity

Righteousness
Demonstrating inner attitude with outward
Wisdom
Faithfulness and trustworthiness

Principles of change

Change is easy
Change is a transforming process due to the
dynamics of Yin and Yang
Change itself is unchanging
best transformations = growth and development of
the individual & whole at the same time.

WORLDVIEWS:
Renewed appreciation of nature
Model of economical fitness

LIVING A LIFE OF CONFUCIANISM:

Invest in intimate ties

Embrace society
Have a devotion to your occupation and be successful
Have fun
Live healthily
Meet your obligations
School yourself
Everything has beauty, but not everyone can see it.

LIFE AFTER DEATH:

Doesnt believe in life after death
We havent yet finished studying life to delve into the
question of death.

HOW SHOULD OTHERS BE TREATED:

Zilu said, "If others treat me with kindness, I will be kind to

them in return; If they are not kind to me, I will not be kind to
them either." Confucius thought this was the way of immoral
people.
Zigong said, "If others treat me with kindness, I will return
kindness to them; If they are not kind to me, I will guide them to
kindness." Confucius thought this was the way between friends.
Yanzi said, "If others treat me with kindness, I will be kind
to them in return; If they are not kind to me, I will also be kind to
them and guide them to kindness." Confucius commented, "This
is the way between family and relatives. If you can expand the
idea and treat all people in the world with sincerity, it will be true
kindness!"
"To be kind, one needs to cultivate himself and constantly
improve his morality. What you said is good. Behaving the same
whether they are rich or poor, you will be content and won't be
driven by desire. Behaving the same no matter if you are in a
high position or just among the general populous, you will always
be humble and polite. Being courageous without showing of
bravery, you will treat people with respect. Being friends with
people who have noble goals and avoiding hardship throughout
life, you can choose your friends, you words and actions with
caution. This is a very good goal!"

Question Number Eight

8. What does your religion look like today? What percentage of the world's
population adheres to your religion? Where is it most popular?
For the last few years now Confucianism has been making a comeback. This is
all thanks to the new president Hu Jintao and his idea of "Harmonious Socialist
Society" these ideas were based off Confucianism teachings. Because of this
many Confucianism culture centers and institutes have been set up around
China.
6.4% of people in the world study Confucianism today. About 1/2 of those people
live in China.

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