HISTORY
The founder of Confucianism was K'ung Ch'iu, who was born around 552 B.C.E. Westerns know K'ung Ch'iu as Confucius. He was born in the Chinese province of Lu. He spent of much of his life tutoring and working in low-level government positions.In its early development Confucianism was primarily an ethical system, describing how to lead a good, moral life. Confucius hoped to put into practice his new theories, he wanted to teach rules to be informed and virtuous. In order to spread his teachings Confucius opened a school to help young men learn ethical leadership skills. Confucius grew frustrated by other officials around him.
In mid-life he left his government position and traveled the countryside promoting reform. After 13 years he returned to Lu to teach about the ideas he had formed during his travels. Confucius had little to say about gods, the meaning of death,or the idea of life after death. For this reason some people do not consider Confucianism a religion, although the goal of Confucianism is to be in "good accord with the ways of heaven." Many followers of Confucianism practice his ideas as religion.Confucius died in 479 B.C.E. Confucius was a teacher to sons of the nobility at a time when formal education was just beginning in China.
The founder of Confucianism was K'ung Ch'iu, who was born around 552 B.C.E. Westerns know K'ung Ch'iu as Confucius. He was born in the Chinese province of Lu. He spent of much of his life tutoring and working in low-level government positions.In its early development Confucianism was primarily an ethical system, describing how to lead a good, moral life. Confucius hoped to put into practice his new theories, he wanted to teach rules to be informed and virtuous. In order to spread his teachings Confucius opened a school to help young men learn ethical leadership skills. Confucius grew frustrated by other officials around him.
In mid-life he left his government position and traveled the countryside promoting reform. After 13 years he returned to Lu to teach about the ideas he had formed during his travels. Confucius had little to say about gods, the meaning of death,or the idea of life after death. For this reason some people do not consider Confucianism a religion, although the goal of Confucianism is to be in "good accord with the ways of heaven." Many followers of Confucianism practice his ideas as religion.Confucius died in 479 B.C.E. Confucius was a teacher to sons of the nobility at a time when formal education was just beginning in China.
IMPORTANT FIGURES
One important figure in Confucianism is Mencius who lived between about 372 B.C. and about 289 B.C..He was a Chinese thinker who adopted Confucius's ideas and values. Mencius was a strong supporter of the Confucian philosophy. He taught that individuals contained much goodness. In the proper environment, Mencius argued, the best characteristics of the individual would strengthen and would benefit others. Mencius's teachings, like those of Confucius, became part of China's classical tradition over time.
Zengzi, also called Zengcan (born 505—died 436 bce), Chinese philosopher, disciple of Confucius, traditionally believed to be the author of the Daxue (“Great Learning”). In this classic, which became a part of the Collection of Rituals and one of the Four Books during the Song dynasty, he discussed the great importance of the Confucian virtues loyalty deference. Zengzi was highly influential in reaffirming the Confucian emphasis on the virtue of filial piety.
Xunzi was a Chinese Confucian philosopher who lived during the Warring States period and contributed to one of the Hundred Schools of Thought. Xunzi believed man's inborn tendencies need to be curbed through education and ritual, counter to Mencius's view that man is innately good. He believed that ethical norms had been invented to rectify mankind.Educated in the state of Qi, Xunzi was associated with the Confucian school, but his philosophy has a pragmatic flavor compared to Confucian optimism. Some scholars attribute it to the divisive times. Xunzi was one of the most sophisticated thinkers of his time.
Zhu Xi or Chu Hsi was a Song Dynasty Confucian scholar who became the leading figure of the School of Principle and the most influential rationalist Neo-Confucian in China. His contributions to Chinese philosophy including his assigning special significance to the Analects of Confucius, the Mencius, the Great Learning, and the Doctrine of the Mean (the Four Books), his emphasis on the investigation of things, and the synthesis of all fundamental Confucian concepts, formed the basis of Chinese bureaucracy and government for over 700 years.
One important figure in Confucianism is Mencius who lived between about 372 B.C. and about 289 B.C..He was a Chinese thinker who adopted Confucius's ideas and values. Mencius was a strong supporter of the Confucian philosophy. He taught that individuals contained much goodness. In the proper environment, Mencius argued, the best characteristics of the individual would strengthen and would benefit others. Mencius's teachings, like those of Confucius, became part of China's classical tradition over time.
Zengzi, also called Zengcan (born 505—died 436 bce), Chinese philosopher, disciple of Confucius, traditionally believed to be the author of the Daxue (“Great Learning”). In this classic, which became a part of the Collection of Rituals and one of the Four Books during the Song dynasty, he discussed the great importance of the Confucian virtues loyalty deference. Zengzi was highly influential in reaffirming the Confucian emphasis on the virtue of filial piety.
Xunzi was a Chinese Confucian philosopher who lived during the Warring States period and contributed to one of the Hundred Schools of Thought. Xunzi believed man's inborn tendencies need to be curbed through education and ritual, counter to Mencius's view that man is innately good. He believed that ethical norms had been invented to rectify mankind.Educated in the state of Qi, Xunzi was associated with the Confucian school, but his philosophy has a pragmatic flavor compared to Confucian optimism. Some scholars attribute it to the divisive times. Xunzi was one of the most sophisticated thinkers of his time.
Zhu Xi or Chu Hsi was a Song Dynasty Confucian scholar who became the leading figure of the School of Principle and the most influential rationalist Neo-Confucian in China. His contributions to Chinese philosophy including his assigning special significance to the Analects of Confucius, the Mencius, the Great Learning, and the Doctrine of the Mean (the Four Books), his emphasis on the investigation of things, and the synthesis of all fundamental Confucian concepts, formed the basis of Chinese bureaucracy and government for over 700 years.
BELIEFS
Confucius taught about the importance of family, respect for one's elders, and reverence for the past and one's ancestors.These there concepts form the basis of Confucian religion.Confucians believe that human-kind is basically good and perfectible. They also believe that by observing ritual and courtesy in daily life and through education, a person can lead a right life and also create a well-ordered and peaceful society.The ethical principles in Confucianism are the most important beliefs. Other than these principles, there are not any specific practices that Confucianism followers must abide by. The Confucianism followers fill these practices with practices from other religions like the Chinese religion, Taoism, and Buddhism. In Confucianism, the acts of everyday life can be considered practices/rituals.
“Ren” is the central ethical principle, and is equivalent to the concepts love, mercy, and humanity. It is best explicated by Confucius in the following statement: “Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.”
BASIC BELIEFS:
*Humans are naturally good
*You should respect and follow your elders
* Being polite is very important.
* Education is strongly emphasized
* Your ancestors should be worshiped as they help provide you guidance.
* Yin and Yang represent opposite forces that keep balance and harmony in nature
Confucius taught about the importance of family, respect for one's elders, and reverence for the past and one's ancestors.These there concepts form the basis of Confucian religion.Confucians believe that human-kind is basically good and perfectible. They also believe that by observing ritual and courtesy in daily life and through education, a person can lead a right life and also create a well-ordered and peaceful society.The ethical principles in Confucianism are the most important beliefs. Other than these principles, there are not any specific practices that Confucianism followers must abide by. The Confucianism followers fill these practices with practices from other religions like the Chinese religion, Taoism, and Buddhism. In Confucianism, the acts of everyday life can be considered practices/rituals.
“Ren” is the central ethical principle, and is equivalent to the concepts love, mercy, and humanity. It is best explicated by Confucius in the following statement: “Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.”
BASIC BELIEFS:
*Humans are naturally good
*You should respect and follow your elders
* Being polite is very important.
* Education is strongly emphasized
* Your ancestors should be worshiped as they help provide you guidance.
* Yin and Yang represent opposite forces that keep balance and harmony in nature
Worship
There is no regular religious service for Confucians, though there are temples built in Confucius's honor at which offerings are sometimes made. Yin/Yang (which is their sacred symbol) General laws of opposing forces. Yin (female, negative energy, cold) and Yang (male, positive energy, hot). Illness results from imbalance of these forces.
As Confucius stated that ultimate reality is beyond human comprehension, there is no sense of sacred time outside of ordinary time. Confucius was a great supporter of ritual, as he felt that ritual solidified human social bonds; thus, in a sense, ritual ordinary time and daily life was held sacred.Confucius stated that divine realms are beyond human comprehension, so there is no Confucian concept of a sacred space outside of the realm of life on earth. The focus of Confucianism is ordinary human interactions, and thus, in a sense, the ordinary space of daily life becomes sacred space.
Despite his disinterest in ultimate questions, Confucius was a strong advocate for ritual. He believed that participation in ritual served to unite people and strengthen the human community. To live one's life as the best person one can be, to constantly strive to cultivate one's character, and to act according to one's proper role within the human community—these are the daily devotional activities of one who is trained under the Confucian system. The sacred text of Confucianism is: The Analects
Temple Worship
Chinese also visit Confucian temples to show their veneration for Confucius and to ask for a blessing. Temple rituals can vary from region to region and have changed over time. Contemporary rituals often involve the burning of incense and kneeling and bowing before images of Confucius or other important ancestors and spirits. Offerings, such as cups of tea, are made and donations may also be made to the temple. Those worshiping at the temple will often make wishes for themselves and for others during such rituals.
There is no regular religious service for Confucians, though there are temples built in Confucius's honor at which offerings are sometimes made. Yin/Yang (which is their sacred symbol) General laws of opposing forces. Yin (female, negative energy, cold) and Yang (male, positive energy, hot). Illness results from imbalance of these forces.
As Confucius stated that ultimate reality is beyond human comprehension, there is no sense of sacred time outside of ordinary time. Confucius was a great supporter of ritual, as he felt that ritual solidified human social bonds; thus, in a sense, ritual ordinary time and daily life was held sacred.Confucius stated that divine realms are beyond human comprehension, so there is no Confucian concept of a sacred space outside of the realm of life on earth. The focus of Confucianism is ordinary human interactions, and thus, in a sense, the ordinary space of daily life becomes sacred space.
Despite his disinterest in ultimate questions, Confucius was a strong advocate for ritual. He believed that participation in ritual served to unite people and strengthen the human community. To live one's life as the best person one can be, to constantly strive to cultivate one's character, and to act according to one's proper role within the human community—these are the daily devotional activities of one who is trained under the Confucian system. The sacred text of Confucianism is: The Analects
Temple Worship
Chinese also visit Confucian temples to show their veneration for Confucius and to ask for a blessing. Temple rituals can vary from region to region and have changed over time. Contemporary rituals often involve the burning of incense and kneeling and bowing before images of Confucius or other important ancestors and spirits. Offerings, such as cups of tea, are made and donations may also be made to the temple. Those worshiping at the temple will often make wishes for themselves and for others during such rituals.
Holidays
The 28th day of September is the birthday of Confucius. To honor him and his ideals, Teacher's Day is also celebrated on the same day.Celebrations range from very elaborate ceremonies at large temples to simply taking a day off for deep consideration or reflection on the virtues of Confucius. Teachers usually receive small presents from their students as a token of gratitude.
The 28th day of September is the birthday of Confucius. To honor him and his ideals, Teacher's Day is also celebrated on the same day.Celebrations range from very elaborate ceremonies at large temples to simply taking a day off for deep consideration or reflection on the virtues of Confucius. Teachers usually receive small presents from their students as a token of gratitude.
Demographics of Confucianism
Because Confucianism is not an institutional religion, it is difficult to determine the number and type of its adherents.It is nevertheless a powerful social, cultural, and religious influence for hundreds of millions across East Asia. For most of Chinese history, Confucianism has been the official ideology of the Chinese state; it has spread along with other elements of Chinese culture to other nations, including Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, taking on diverse national and local forms.
Followers: 6,300,000
Main Geographical Regions that Practiced Confucianism: China, Korea, Vietnam and the Chinese and Vietnamese Diasporas
Because Confucianism is not an institutional religion, it is difficult to determine the number and type of its adherents.It is nevertheless a powerful social, cultural, and religious influence for hundreds of millions across East Asia. For most of Chinese history, Confucianism has been the official ideology of the Chinese state; it has spread along with other elements of Chinese culture to other nations, including Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, taking on diverse national and local forms.
Followers: 6,300,000
Main Geographical Regions that Practiced Confucianism: China, Korea, Vietnam and the Chinese and Vietnamese Diasporas
SOURCES/WORKS CITED
http://religions.findthebest.com/q/4/1462/Where-is-Confucianism-practiced
http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/resources/essays/demographics-of-confucianism?language=chinese
http://china.answers.com/chinese-culture/celebrating-confucianism-holidays-in-china
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Confucianism/Ritual-Worship-Devotion-Symbolism
http://people.opposingviews.com/confucianism-worship-practices-3006.html
http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/specialist/ganzert_j/socialstudiesonline/StudyMaps/Grade9StudyMaps/WHI4e4fConfus.graffle.pdf
http://geriatrics.stanford.edu/ethnomed/chinese/fund/beliefs/
Textbook: Holt World History: The Human Journey
http://religions.findthebest.com/q/4/1462/Where-is-Confucianism-practiced
http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/resources/essays/demographics-of-confucianism?language=chinese
http://china.answers.com/chinese-culture/celebrating-confucianism-holidays-in-china
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Confucianism/Ritual-Worship-Devotion-Symbolism
http://people.opposingviews.com/confucianism-worship-practices-3006.html
http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/specialist/ganzert_j/socialstudiesonline/StudyMaps/Grade9StudyMaps/WHI4e4fConfus.graffle.pdf
http://geriatrics.stanford.edu/ethnomed/chinese/fund/beliefs/
Textbook: Holt World History: The Human Journey