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Religion? Philosophy? Way of Life?
Religion? Philosophy? Way of Life?
"Confucism" is a system of beliefs that is more like a philosophy than a "religion" like we are familiar with today. There is no deity, no creation story, and no theories on the afterlife. In fact, Confucius discouraged his students from thinking about what would happen after death; instead, he wanted them to focus on LIFE and everyday living. According to Judith A. Berling, there are three main ideas: Li, Ren, and Xiao...
"Confucism" is a system of beliefs that is more like a philosophy than a "religion" like we are familiar with today. There is no deity, no creation story, and no theories on the afterlife. In fact, Confucius discouraged his students from thinking about what would happen after death; instead, he wanted them to focus on LIFE and everyday living. According to Judith A. Berling, there are three main ideas: Li, Ren, and Xiao...
Li - proper conduct
Li - proper conduct
Confucianism maintains that there are rules about how people should act and treat one another. "Li" refers to the social rituals, courtesies, and expected etiquette (Berling).
“All human relationships involved a set of defined roles and mutual obligations; each participant should understand and conform to his/her proper role. Starting from individual and family, people acting rightly could reform and perfect the society.”
“All human relationships involved a set of defined roles and mutual obligations; each participant should understand and conform to his/her proper role. Starting from individual and family, people acting rightly could reform and perfect the society.”
-Asia Society
-Asia Society
Ren - benevolence
Ren - benevolence
Ren is considered to be the source of all virtues. It involves love and kindness, treating others with humanity and altruism.
Individuals are also instructed to build their own character and conscience through reflecting, learning, and growing (Berling).
Xiao - filial piety
Xiao - filial piety
"Filial piety" means respect for one's parents, elders, or ancestors.
"Few of those who are filial sons and respectful brothers will show disrespect to superiors, and there has never been a man who is respectful to superiors and yet creates disorder. A superior man is devoted to the fundamental. When the root is firmly established, the moral law will grow. Filial piety and brotherly respect are the root of humanity." -Confucius
"Scripture"
"Scripture"
The teachings of Confucius were recorded by his students, and later published in a work called "The Analects" or Lunyu. Many people today will recognize some of his more famous teachings, such as "The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." and "Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart", which are recorded in The Analects.
Another series of books called Wujing, or "Five Classics", sets out rules for spirituality, behavior, ritual, society, government, and more (Weiming 2022).
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