Confucianism
Confucius
History
Regarded universally as one of the greatest philosophers of ancient times, Confucius (K'ung Fu-tzu) taught a message of spirituality over materialism in 5th century BC China. He attempted to resurrect the Zhou (Chou) Dynasty religion and restore social order to its politically corrupt regime. It was only 400 years later that his teachings became widely accepted, under the Han Emperor Wu, who made Confucian values the backbone of all state ideology and social institutions.
The popularity of Taoism and Buddhism in the early first millennium AD overshadowed Confucianism, until the Song (Sung) Dynasty merged all three beliefs into Neo-Confucianism.
By the beginning of the second millennium, it had branched out into two schools of thought: Hsin (focused on the mind) and Li (law-based). All variations were rejected once again in the 17th century by the Qing Dynasty, which re-established Confucian teachings in their unadulterated form. They were overturned, however by the Chinese Revolution of 1911, which regarded Confucianism as decadent and reactionary, views that were compounded when communism came to power in 1949.
Confucian ideals are still held in high esteem by Chinese people today and around 5 million followers remain active in South East Asia.
Beliefs
More a system of social and ethical values than a fixed religion, Confucianism promotes personal virtue for the wider benefit of the community. Sincerity, benevolence, loyalty and propriety are the key values outlined in the five scriptures:
• Shu King – historical documents
• Shih King – ancient poems
• Li Ching – rites and ancient ceremonies
• I Ching – book of changes
• Ch'un Chi'u – spring and autumn.
Filial piety or respect for the family is placed above all other virtues, and parents and teachers, rather than ordained religious figures, take on the role of spiritual guides. Confucianism also places great importance on ritual and celebrates the four key stages in life – birth, maturity, marriage and death – with quite particular ceremonies.
