CONFUCIANISM

Discussant: Daz, Kristel Ann P. Desuelao, Mike F. Felices, Lea C. BSAIS 1-B

What is Confucianism?

 Confucianism is a philosophy that emphasizes the cultivation of personal and social virtues in
order to create a harmonious society.
 One of the most influential philosophies and belief system in ancient China.
 It is based on the teachings of Confucius, a Chinese philosopher who lived during the 5th
century BCE, whose spoken words was written down by his followers in wat is called the
Analects.
 Confucius’ intention was to interpret and revive the unnamed religion of the Zhou Dynasty
under which may people thought the ancient system of religious rule was bankrupt.
 Confucianism may be understood as an all-encompassing way of thinking and living that
entails ancestor reverence and a profound human-centered religiousness.
 not an organized religion.
 Both the theory and practice of Confucianism have indelibly marked the patterns of
government, society, education, and family of East Asia.

Core Confucian Philosophy and Beliefs

 At the core of Confucius’ philosophy is the belief that the human person‘s nature is inherently
good
 Confucius also believes that every person has feelings of pity, shame, and moral goodness.
 The cultivation of the person is to be accomplished through the way, and the cultivation of the
way is to be done through jen or humanity.
 for Confucius, it is through education that virtues are developed and integrated into one’s
personality.

Goal of Confucianism and Virtues of Jen and Yi

 we learned that the ultimate goal of Confucius’ philosophy is the realization of junzi, that is,
perfect gentleman or superior man.

Jen

 of all the Confucian virtues, Confucius and his followers regarded en as the most important
quality of a moral person.
 can be referred to as a synthesis of concepts such as love for others, compassion, and
benevolence.
 The primary meaning of jen is “humanity”.

For Confucius...
someone who possesses Jen is capable of loving others and treating them with kindness.

Yi

 can be described as righteousness and justice. It signifies what is right.

 Confucius considered righteousness as part of the essence of a true gentleman.
Confucius said,
“The superior man does not set his mind either for anything, or against: What is right he will follow”.

Judith Berling said, “If the “outer” side of Confucianism is characterized by conformity and
acceptance of authority, the “inner” side can be referred to as cultivation of conscience and character.”

Confucius emphasized the importance of cultivating moral virtues within one’s heart and mind, he
insisted that one’s cultivation of character must involve extending virtues to others.

Self-cultivation in the Confucian sense is far from merely being an internal search for one’s moral
sensitivity.

the Confucian perspective of cultivation of character has its emphasis on the search for personal
strength and social responsibility.

For Confucians, Learning has two purposes.

 To learn to be an upright moral person This purpose is the ideal of junzi, of a gentleman or a
superior person.
 After the gentleman has cultivated virtues and elevated his character, it is then possible for
him to apply what he has learned.

Another important concept in Confucianism is the importance of social hierarchy and order.

At the top of hierarchy is the Rulers, followed by Scholars, Farmers and Artisans and the
Merchants.

 Confucianism also places a strong emphasis on education and the pursuit of knowledge.
 Confucianism is the importance of social relationships and obligations.
 Confucianism also places a strong emphasis on ethical behavior and moral principles.
 Another is the importance of tradition and ritual.

Chinese Philosophy and Confucian Ethics

Confucianism is a system of thought attributed to the teacher Kongqui known in the West as
Confucius. He was an aspiring civil servant who lived his life as a teacher of governance, ethics, and
ritual, and was able to gather a followers around him. His main preoccupation was the possibility of
building a harmonious, ordered society. He took his inspiration for building a just kingdom from the
ancient sage rulers, King Wen and King Wu and their virtuous regent, the Duke of Zhou.

In Confucian ethics, there are five classical virtues, known as the Five Constant Virtues. These virtues
serve as foundational principles for moral conduct and personal cultivation. They are:

1. Ren (仁 - Benevolence or Humaneness)

- Ren emphasizes kindness, compassion, and empathy towards others. It involves treating others with
care and understanding, seeking to promote harmony and well-being in society.

2. Yi (义 - Righteousness or Justice)
 - Yi entails moral integrity, honesty, and the pursuit of what is morally right and just. It involves
upholding principles of fairness, equality, and accountability in one's actions and decisions.

3. Li (礼 - Ritual Propriety or Etiquette)

- Li encompasses proper behavior, manners, and adherence to social norms and rituals. It
emphasizes respect for tradition, hierarchy, and cultural conventions, promoting harmonious
interactions and social order.

4. Zhi (智 - Wisdom)

- Zhi represents intellectual and moral wisdom, discernment, and practical knowledge. It involves
understanding the deeper truths of life, making sound judgments, and applying ethical principles in
everyday situations.

5. Xin (信 - Sincerity or Integrity)

- Xin denotes sincerity, honesty, and trustworthiness in one's words and actions. It involves being
genuine, dependable, and true to one's commitments, fostering trust and credibility in relationship

10 Life Lessons from Confucius

1. Learn to see beauty in everything

 Find beauty in every moment to gain new insights and understanding in life.
2. Moral Values start at home:
 The strength of a nation comes from the integrity of its homes.
3. Never do anything half-heartedly:
 Wholehearted effort prevents falling short of one's potential.
4. Never give up:
 Consistent progress, regardless of speed, is crucial to achieving dreams.
5. Everyone has wisdom to share:
 Learn from those around you, recognizing that everyone is a potential teacher.
6. Ignore gossips:
 Focus on positive relationships and support, rather than gossip and negativity.
7. Think of the consequences:
 Contemplate the outcomes of actions, especially when dealing with anger.
8. Practice the art of silence:
 Silence can provide valuable introspection and connection with one's inner self.
9. Practice Filial Piety:
 Express gratitude to parents by being a credit to them and supporting them.
10. Embrace getting older:
 Aging can be a positive experience, offering a comfortable front row as a spectator.