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Teachings of Confucianism
By peace | June 2, 2008
Born in 551 BCE in Qufu in the state of Lu (part of Shandong in China), Confucius received a good education and enjoyed holding make-believe temple rituals and arranging various sacrificial receptacles for play.
Confucius stressed the importance of observing rites and customs, be it funeral rites and food offerings to guidelines on treating one’s houseguest, attire and even the consumption of meals. Maintaining the required standard of such rites was essential in becoming a ‘noble person’, thus fulfilling one’s role and obligation in life.
Confucian teachings comprise the following:
- The Analects - comprises sayings of Confucius collected by his disciples and followers after his death. It contains the teachings, deeds, comments and sentiments of Confucius. Topics are wide-ranging, covering politics, management, education, art and morality.
- The Great Learning - contains higher principles of moral science that should be applied in the conduct of government, in order to obtain a peaceful and happy world
- The Doctrine of The Mean - written by Confucius’ grandson, it deals with principles that are concerned with the nature of mean and proper conduct
- The Sayings of Mencius - Mencius was a Confucianist who compiled questions raised by some of Confucius’ disciples, contains advice to rulers of feudal states and deals wth issues of psychology, political theory and economics.
Devotees would follow Confucius’ example of observing rites and customs, treasuring education, practising ancestral worship and presenting offerings to him. Children used to pay their respects to him before starting their school education.
Confucianism became the only doctrine advocated during the reign of Emperor Wudi of Han. It evolved into an orthodox thought which dominated Chinese society for some 2000 years. The study of Confucian classics was also elevated as a requirement leading to the official world. Excelling in this academic pursuit might lead to a governmental post for the scholar, thereby gaining respect and prestige for the young man and his family.
Its religious influence declined during the Tang Dynasty, although the teachings and principles remained essential to the people. During the Song Dynasty, Confucianism recouped its strong following, leading to governmental reforms, including one that involved the examination system when selecting governmental officials.
Around this time, Confucianism became one of China’s main ideology, along with Buddhism and Taoism. Together, the three were known as the “Three Ways”, strongly influencing Chinese society, and merging with one another in the course of their development.
To honour Confucius’ enormous contribution to Chinese society, his birthday 28th September was named Teacher’s Day, and commemorates not only Confucius but teachers in general for their hard work. On this day, memorial ceremonies start at 6am at various Confucius temples.
Topics: Faith, Religion, View All Post |
June 4th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
[…] the death of Confucius, his disciples continued to expound his teaching, The followers of Confucius, notably Mencius and Xun Zi, expanded the scope of Confucius’ […]