Introduction to World

Religion and Belief

System

Quarter 2 – Module 12: Confucianism

 Lesson

1 Brief History of Confucianism

“Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you.”
-Confucius

What’s In

Before we proceed to the next lesson, let us take a look back on the
previous lesson.
Complete the Venn Diagram below. Write five characteristics of
Mahayana Buddhism, five characteristic Theravada Buddhism and five similari
ties of the two religions. Make your answer simple.

Mahayana Buddhism Theravada Buddhism

1. 1.
Similarities
2. 2.
3. 1. 3.
4. 2. 4.
5. 3. 5.
4.
5.

1
What’s New

From the persons that you are related below, tell your position in the
relationship whether you are superior, subordinate or equal. Then write
your role in each relationship. The first one was done as an example. Write
your answer in a sheet of paper.

With your Your Position-_Subordinate__

Your Role
-_to obey my parents and give them honor.
__
PARENTS

With your Your Position-____________

_________

Your Role
-_______________________________________________________
SIBLINGS

Your Position
-_____________________
With your
Your Role
-_______________________________________________________
FRIENDS

What Is It

HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
During the reign Zhou dynasty, the proliferation of Chinese classical
thought happened. This phase of history of China was the result of several
factors such as technological and economic advancement, stronger political
units, political and social improvement and military development.

In the Zhou dynasty, technological growth led to trading development,

which led to the increase in wealth. In the fifth century, Iron became
common and had replaced bronze as material for weapons, as well as
agricultural tools.

2
This growth of production coincided with a rapid growth in trade, and, as a
consequence a new class of a wealthy merchants emerged. Therefore, this
became a threat to the nobility which led them to propagate a theory that
society is composed of four classes, these are:

1. the warrior-administrator;
2. the peasants;
3. the artisans; and
4. the merchants.

During the development of technology and economy, stronger political

units also grew. This led to the emergence of four vassal states that
competed against each other for political supremacy. These vassal states
were Qin in the west, Jin in the north, Yan in the northeast, and Qi in the
east. Below is a map showing the areas of four vassal states.

https://www.google.com/search?q=map+of+four+vassal+states+in+china&sxsrf=ALeKk01QIg87N4idaQnLdaN8CUzNTNWMcA:1603435435810&source=lnms&
tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiy_8i8jsrsAhUafd4KHUvoAs8Q_AUoAXoECBYQAw&biw=1517&bih=730#imgrc=ys8PJbRD7N6cdM&imgdii=rC3AEBDqMElNnM

The struggle for supremacy among these vassal states characterized

the Warring States Period in Chinese history. Their political stability was
enhanced by military development. The use of chariots, iron weapons, and
the use of cavalry all contributed to the newfound power of the vassal states
who tried to overpower each other through the use of warfare.
In the middle of development and chaos, China was faced with a
dilemma: the failure of old authority made it necessary for a new guiding
values to restore social order. It was in this very crucial time that philosophers
would try to find solutions to the social problems being faced by society.
Interest was focused on the society and not in individuals. Because of these,

3
 philosophers have often been classified as practical politicians because
they were products of the proliferation of literacy and part of the new
bureaucracy. One of these philosophers was Confucius.

Life of Confucius

Confucius is the Latin name of Kongzi or

The following are the celebrations
Kong Fuzi (honorific term) both means “Master
in countries in East Asia that
Kong.” He was born on September
influenced by the birth date of
Confucius.
28, 551 B.C.E. in a small feudal state of Lu COUNTRY CELEBRATION
Taiwan Teachers’ Day
(now Shantung province) in Qufu. His personal Mainland Cultural
name was Qui and his family name was Kong. China Celebrations
He was from a noble family, but on the time of Hong Kong
his birth, they had already lost Singapore
much of their wealth. His first teacher was

his mother, and at the age of 15 he set his

heart upon learning. Thus, love of learning became one if the highest virtue
in Confucian ethics.
He married at the age of 19 and had a son of
the age of 20. At this point in his life he had
already served in minor government posts and had
already gained a reputation as an all-around
scholar. When he was in 30s he had already
started a brilliant teaching career because of his
mastery of the arts of rituals, music, archery,
charioteering, calligraphy, and arithmetic. He is
often considered as the first person to devote his https://www.google.com/search?q=Confucius&sxsrf=
ALeKk00P7JpckoiGvON4vIQ-
whole life to learning and teaching for the aPRfadvlrg:1603888102274&tbm=isch&source=iu&ic
t
purpose of social transformation and improvement. He held several
government positions including as arbiter, assistant minister of public
works, and minister of justice in the state of Lu. Frustrated that his ideals
and policies were brushes off by his superiors, he soon left Lu. For 13 years,
he wandered from state to state, trying to put his theories to practice, at 67,
he returned home to teach (where he gained more disciples) and to preserve
his classical traditions by writing and editing. He died in 479 B.C.E at the
age of 73 and he left around 3,000 followers who preserved and put his
other teachings to writing.

4
 CONFUCIAN BELIEF
Confucius’ Golden Rule: “Do not do unto others what you would not have
them do unto you,” teaches the ethics of mutuality and reciprocity. Thus, it requires
people to treat others equal to themselves and in equally the same manner as they
would have wanted to be treated.
Belief in Tian

“When you have offended against Tian (Heaven), there is nowhere you can turn to in your prayers” (Analects 3.31). This is
one of the passages in the Analects which shows Confucius’ idea of Tian or Heaven. Although Confucius is well-known to be a
practical philosophe r who was not much interested in the superhuman real, he believed in Tian or “heaven,” an all-
encompassing God. Tian may also refer to that which is beyond human control. He believed that Tian is analogous with moral
order but dependent upon human interven tion to bring its will into action.

Rectification of Names

Confucius believed that to return in an ancient Dao, people must play their important roles in society. This was called the
Rectification of Names or Zhengming. This include The Five Relationships: 1) ruler-subject; 2) father-son; 3) husband-wife; 4)
elder sibling -younger sibling; 5) friend-to-friend. The responsibilities originating from these relationships are shared
and reciprocal. For example, a minister owes loyalty to his ruler, and a child owes respect to the parents. In return, ruler must
care for his subjects, and parents must care for their children. Zhengming helps bring social order and harmony.

Human Nature as Originally Good or Evil

Confucius was silent on the concept of human nature, but Mengzi (Mencius) and Xunzi (Hsun Tzu), two Confucian fo llowers
and philosophers, had different interpretations on the subject of human nature based on the Analects.
For Menzi, human nature is naturally disposed toward ren, or virtue of the superior man. He believed that all humans were
born with innate goodne ss which, on one hand, can cultivate through proper education and self-discipline; or be thrown
away through neglect and bad influence.
Xunzi believed that human nature is basically evil but can be improved through self-cultivation. Like Mengzi, Xunzi considered
the li or discipline is the key to cultivate human nature.

Five Constants

Also known as Five Classical Virtues

Wuchang
or, are the Five Constants, are the five most important Confucian ethics mentioned in the
Analects. These include the following:
1. Renor benev olence
2. Yior righteousness
3. Li or propriety
4. Zhior wisdom
5. Xinor fidelity

Filial Piety

In Confucians, family relations provide a model for social behavior. It is said to have provided Chinasolidarity
with a strong
not only
sense
in of
Chinese family, but also nfucian
in Co social organizations and even among Chinese communities in differentThe partfollowing
of the world.
Chines tradition can be the manifestation of Filial Piety:

1. Worship to ancestors
2. Respect to parents and other elderly
 5

Sacred Scriptures
The Five Classics are a group of books which was regarded as early
Confucianism’s basic texts. This includes the Book of Change, the Book of
History, the Book of Poetry, the Classic of Rites, and the Spring and Autumn
Annals.
The Analects (or Lunyu) is also considered as an important source of
Confucian teachings since it contains a record of his conversations with his
disciples and his collection of sayings and ideas. It is believed to have been
written during the Warring State Period (475 B.C.E.- 221 B.C.E.)

Book of Change •Believed to have existed at the time of Confucius.

(also known as the I- •The oldest of the Classics.
Ching) •It focuses on short predictions following a type of divination called cleromancy.

Book of History •Conventionally attributed to Confucius by early scholars.

Book of Documents or (also known as the •Zhou dynasties.It is composed of speeches of royalty and
ministers mainly from the Shang and
Shangshu) 6

Book of Poetry
(also known as the •Also consists of chronological accounts of imperial achievements and rule of the
government.
Book of
Songs/Odes/Shijing)
•Collection of 305 songs compiled around 600 B.C.E.
•Includes four sections of various themes such as love, courtship, abandonment,
and dances.
Classics of Rites
•Also includes feast songs or state chants.
(originally the Three
Li/Three Rites/Sin Li

•Compilation of ceremonial rituals, administration, and social forms of the

Zhou dynasty.
Classics of Rites •Composed of 49 sections of rituals and government guidelines, as well as
(originally the Three essays on education, the rites, music and philosophy.
Li/Three Rites/Sn Li

•Conventionally attributed to Confucius by early scholars.

•It is composed of speeches of royalty and ministers mainly from the Shang
and Zhou dynasties.
6
•Also consists of
chronological
accounts of
imperial
achievements and
rule of the
government.
Worship and Observances
The Book of Rites recorded the rituals practiced by the Chinese for
many centuries. Some of these rituals have been classified under Family
Rituals, which are characterized as the person’s growth and maturity.

Coming of Age Rites

– ceremonies held when a person reached a marriageable age.

Capping- A ritual where a male ages-20

15receives his formal hat, ceremonial gown
and formal name.

Hair Pinning–gathering of 16 year old girl’s hair into knot after her engagement and
before her wedding day.

Mourning Rites – playing of music to accompany the corpse and to pacify the spirit
and sealing of the corpse in the coffin to avoid false death.

Marriage Ceremonies
– central feature of society. Marriage is decided by the parents

RELATED ISSUES
One characteristic of Confucian social order is the fixed and strict
hierarchy, with the higher partners being composed of men – father,
husband, and rulers exercising more right and privilege over women who
are placed in a subordinate position

FEMALE SUBORDINATION
Confucian women’s lives can be summed up into three periods also known as “Three Obediences:”

1st – Obedience 2nd – Obedience 3rd – Obedience to her father to her husband to her son

The patriarchal nature of Confucian is manifested in certain beliefs like preference for male
children.
Another one, women are the ones expected to give dowry to the family of their groom
when they get married, and among poor families having female children has become a burden.
This led to more cases female infanticide and abortion every year.

.
Another issue related to hierarchy would be the authoritarianism,
which was influenced by philosophy of Legalism and which became the
guiding principle of the Chinese government during the Qin dynasty.
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 AUTHORITARIANISM
Because Confucianism stresses the hierarchy between relationships, this has
reinforced top-down values and hierarchy systems by encouraging deference to one’s
superiors – ruler, father, teacher, or anyone older. When Confucian values ar e used to
suppress opposition, thwart fresh ideas to surface, or to protect apathy, then Confucianism
poses a serious threat to the development of society and the flourishing of democracy.
Confucianism has been criticized on the issue of father-son relationship, especially on the
aspect of allowing the bad behavior of a father requiring the son to accept it when it occurs.

The issue of Confucianism’s incompatibility with environmentalism is

another aspect being analyzed by scholars.

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
While it is true that Confucianism advocates respect to the environment, its
acceptance of people’s, dominance to nature poses a threat to the issue. The Analects
mentioned the subordination of animals to
social interests. Some experts also say that when faced to dilemma between maintaining
social duties and the environment, Confucianism would lead one to choose the former
than the latter, Confucian logic would
give priority to defense of social duties over environmental protection.
The Analects contains passages that suggest Confucius’ neglect of or lack of concern for
animals,
such as the following passage:

“There was a fire in the stables. When the Master returned the court, he asked,
‘Was anybody
hurt?’ He didn’t ask about the horses.” (Analects 10:12)

8
 What’s More
You Complete Me

Identify the terms being described in each numbers. Complete the

words below by filling the missing letters.

1. __ H __ __ D__ __ A __ __ __
The proliferation of Chinese classical thought happened.\ in this
dynasty.

2. W __ R __ __ N __ S__ __ T __ P __ __ I O __
The struggle for supremacy among these vassal states.

3. __ O N __ __ C __ __ __
The Latin name of Kongzi or Kong Fuzi.

4. G __ __ D __ __ R __ __ E
“Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto
you.”

5. __ I __ __
Also known as heaven, an all-encompassing God.

6. __ H E __ __ M __ __ __
People must play their important roles in society which was called
the Rectification of Names.

7. __ U __ __ __ N __
The five most important Confucian ethics mentioned in the
Analects.

8. F __ __ E C __ __ S __ __I __ __
A group of books which was regarded as early Confucianism’s basic
texts.

9. A __ __ E __ __ __
Considered as an important source of Confucian teachings since it
contains a record of his conversations with his disciples and his
collection of sayings and ideas.

10. T__ __ E __ O __ __ D __ __ N __ __ Three stages of Confucian

women’s lives.
9
 What I Have Learned

Write the missing word/s in each number.

1. In the Zhou dynasty, technological growth led to

_____________________, which led to the increase in wealth.

2. During the development of technology and economy, stronger

_________________________________ also grew.

3. Philosophers have often been classified as ________________________

because they were products of the proliferation of literacy and part of
the new bureaucracy.

4. Confucius is often considered as the first person to devote his whole

life to learning and teaching for the purpose of
___________________________ and improvement.

5. . Zhengming helps bring social order and __________________________.

6. Mengzi believed that all humans were born with innate

_____________________ which, on one hand, can cultivate through
proper education and self-discipline; or be thrown away through
neglect and bad influence.

7. Xunzi believed that human nature is basically ___________________ but

can be improved through self-cultivation.

8. Book of _____________________ focuses on short predictions following a

type of divination called cleromancy.

9. Book of History composed of _________________________ of royalty and

ministers mainly from the Shang and Zhou dynasties.

10. Classic Rites is a compilation of ______________________________,

administration, and social forms of the Zhou dynasty.

11. Book of _____________________ is a collection of 305 songs

compiled around 600 B.C.E.
10
 12. Some of the Confucian rituals have been classified under
___________________________, which are characterized as the person’s
growth and maturity.

13. Confucian women are the ones expected to give ________________

to the family of their groom when they get married.

14. Confucianism has been criticized on the issue of father-son

relationship, especially on the aspect of allowing the
_____________________________________ of a father requiring the son to
accept it when it occurs.

15. The Analects mentioned the subordination of _________________

to social interests.

ASSESSMENT

Choose the correct answer. On a sheet of paper, write the letter that correspond to
your answer.
1. In what dynasty does the proliferation of Chinese classical
thought happen?
a. Qi dynasty c. Chang dynasty
b. Xi dynasty d. Zhou dynasty
2. During the development of technology and economy, stronger
political units also grew. Which of the following is NOT a vassal
states that competed for political supremacy?
a. Qin b. Jin c. Li d. Yan
3. It is the struggle for supremacy among these vassal states.
a. Zhou dynasty’s reign c. Peace State Period
b. Warring State Period d. Chang dynasty’s reign

4. Which of the following is an honorific name for Master Kong.

a. Kong Fuzi c. Confucius
b. Kongzi d. All of the choices

5. Which is NOT a factor of the proliferation of Chinese classical

thought during the reign Zhou dynasty?
a. technological and economic advancement
b. stronger political units
c. political and social improvement
d. competition of vassal states
11
6. Choose from the following choices the result of Confucius’ love
of learning.
a. Learning is the highest virtue in Confucian doctrine.
b. Teachers’ day celebration in Taiwan is on Confucius’ birthday.
c. Belief in Tian as analogous with moral order but dependent
upon human intervention to bring its will into action.
d. Belief that family relations provide a model for social behavior.

7. Confucius’ Golden Rule, “Do not do unto others what you would
not have them do unto you,” explains ______________.
a. Requiring people to treat others equal to themselves and in
equally the same manner as they would have wanted to be
treated.
b. Good behavior is a great virtue in Confucian doctrine.
c. You can take revenge if someone hurt you.
d. Anyone can face Karma.

8. According to Confucian belief, why people must play their roles

in society?
a. Because it helps bring social order and harmony.
b. Because it brings happiness to someone.
c. To avoid being punished by the government.
d. To have a peaceful life.

9. Xunzi believed that human nature is basically evil. But how can
someone be improved?
a. through self-cultivation c. through religion
b. through parental discipline d. through praying

10. Which of the following explains Filial Piety?

a. Family relations provide a model for social behavior.
b. Strong sense of solidarity not only in Chinese family, but also in
Confucian social organizations and communities.
c. Respect to parents and to elderly.
d. All of the above.

11. Which of the following is NOT an important ethics to Confucian

teachings?

12
 a. Benevolence c. Religiousness
b. Fidelity d. Wisdom

12. Which of the following shows the result of female subordination

in Chinese community?
a. The number of cases of female infanticide grow every year.
b. Women in China become strong and learned to fight.
c. Confucian women choose to become old maid.
d. Many women became lesbian.

13. It is a group of books which was regarded as early

Confucianism’s basic texts.
a. Analects c. Five Classics
b. Book of Change d. Book of Rites

14. Which of the following aspects shows the criticizing the issue of
authoritarianism.
a. Citizens being subordinate to the government.
b. Allowing the bad behavior of a father requiring the son to accept
it when it occurs.
c. The patriarchal nature of Confucianism.
d. Being obedient by the females.

15. Why it is said that Confucian logic would give priority to defense
of social duties over environmental protection.
a. Because Confucius allowed logging.
b. Because Confucius was not an advocate of recycling.
c. Because Confucius showed less concern and care for the
animals and nature.
d. Because Confucius didn’t give any teachings on how to protect
the environment.

13
References
Books
Manaloto, Christian B. and Rapadas, Maria Teresita R. Pilgrimage to sacred
Spaces: An Introduction to World Religions. Quezon Ave., Quezon City.
The Phoenix publishing House Inc., 2016

Ong, Jerome A. and Jose, Mary Dorothy DL. Introduction to World Religions
and Belief Systems. Araneta Ave., Quezon City. Vibal Group Inc., 2016

Internet
https://www.google.com/search?q=Confucius&sxsrf=ALeKk00P7JpckoiGvO
N4vIQ-
aPRfadvlrg:1603888102274&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=nk7Xd7USkd
ds_M%252CTeoZ3nxk9KLd8M%252C%252Fm
%252F01rll&vet=1&usg=AI4_kR2doe7YpjQ-k6Z2R-

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