Confucianism: An overview
Chinese symbol for water
Confucianism is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. This complex system of thought includes moral, social, political, philosophical, and quasi-religious thought. It has had a considerable influence on the culture and history of East Asia. While it originated in China, it has spread to Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. Most people who adhere to the teachings of Confucius follow traditional Chinese religion, which blends Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and traditional local practices and beliefs.
The symbol to the left stands for "water". Though Confucianism is recognized as one of the eleven main living religions, it has no standard symbol or icon representing its belief system. Quite often, though, this Chinese ideogram for water is utilized. It represents the 'source of life' in Chinese philosophy.
The symbol to the left stands for "water". Though Confucianism is recognized as one of the eleven main living religions, it has no standard symbol or icon representing its belief system. Quite often, though, this Chinese ideogram for water is utilized. It represents the 'source of life' in Chinese philosophy.
Demographics
It is very difficult to get an accurate figure of how many people practice Confucianism. In fact, there are statistics showing that less than 10 million people follow Confucianism, while others show that there are nearly 350 million. The reason for this extreme disparity is due to the way in which these figures are reported. Some figures include people who only believe in Confucianism, while others include people who believe in Traditional Chinese folk religion. However, it is clear that the vast majority of individuals who follow Confucianism reside in East Asia.
Below is a map of East Asia, where Confucianism originated and continues to be practiced.
Historical Origins
K'ung Fu Tzu, but commonly referred to in English as "Confucius", was born in 551 B.C.E. in the state of Lu - what is now the modern day Shantung Province in China. When he was 22 years old, he opened a school. Successful teaching led to his appointment as minister of justice of Lu. He eventually left and traveled throughout China for 13 years, giving advice to rulers of various provinces. During this time he accumulated a small number of students. He eventually returned to Lu, where he devoted himself to teaching. He died in 470 B.C.E. at the age of 72. His lifetime almost coincided exactly with the life of Buddha, who did two years earlier at the age of eighty.
It is important to remember that during his lifetime Confucius was anything but famous. In fact, Confucianism as an institution was not established until long after his death. During the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C.E. a diverse collection of his writings circulated concerning his life and teachings. However, these writings had little cohesion. Finally, during the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.E., a cohesive system of Confucian beliefs were formed.
It is important to remember that during his lifetime Confucius was anything but famous. In fact, Confucianism as an institution was not established until long after his death. During the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C.E. a diverse collection of his writings circulated concerning his life and teachings. However, these writings had little cohesion. Finally, during the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.E., a cohesive system of Confucian beliefs were formed.
Beliefs
Confucian beliefs center around humanity. Of the important values emphasized in Confucian thought, these are stressed most:
- Li: includes ritual, propriety, etiquette, etc.
- Hsiao: love within the family: love of parents for their children and of children for their parents
- Yi: righteousness
- Xin: honesty and trustworthiness
- Jen: benevolence, humaneness towards others; the highest Confucian virtue
- Chung: loyalty to the state
The following are five broad topics that are often covered by religions. Taken and adapted from patheos.com, these are how Confucian thought attempts to deal with these issues:
Sacred Narratives and Texts
The idea of learning from the past is fundamental to Confucian thinking, and the early histories and biographies are the closest thing to sacred narratives in Confucianism. Among the "classics" are many stories that contain a moral component or exemplify an effort to understand why things happened as they did. Specifically, Confucius is credited with either compiling or editing what are known as the "Five Classics". They include:
The Great Learning
The Gre
- Classic of Changes
- Classic of Poetry
- Classic of Rites
- Classic of History
- Spring and Autumn Annals
The Great Learning
The Gre
Ultimate Reality and Divine Beings
Confucius did not deny the existence of a reality beyond the human world, but he said that the nature of ultimate reality and the intentions and expectations of divinities are beyond human capacity to know or understand. Human morals should therefore be based on human relationships, without reference to some higher order.
Human Nature and the Purpose of Existence
Confucian scholars have long debated essential human nature without reaching agreement as to its fundamental characteristics. Most agree, however, that the purpose of existence is to reach one's highest potential as a human being. Through a rigorous process of self-cultivation that lasts a lifetime, one may eventually become a "perfected person."
Suffering and the Problem of Evil
According to some interpretations of Confucianism, suffering and evil are inevitable in human life, and can promote learning and growth. A mistake is not a "sin," but an opportunity to learn and do better next time. Empathy for the suffering of others also provides motivation to grow morally, but not all humans are capable of empathy.
Afterlife and Salvation
Confucius stated that the afterlife was beyond human comprehension. Humans should live and behave in such a way as to promote ideal social relations, rather than to act based on the expectations of rewards or punishments after death.