CONFUCIANISM: ORIGIN, CHARACTERISTICS, BELIEFS, RELIGION - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The Confucianism and Confucianism was the way of life and religion promulgated by the Chinese thinker Confucius, from the sixth century and the V century. C. It has been used by the Chinese for more than two millennia; Although it has undergone transformations, it remains a source of values, knowledge, learning and social code in China.

The influence of this thought spread to other adjacent countries, such as Japan, Vietnam and South Korea. It originated mainly after the creation of the Hundred Schools of Confucius Thought. Many consider Confucianism more than a way of life; they see it as a way of governing themselves and, above all, as a religion.

Origin and founder

Confucius was born in 551 BC, at a time when China was in a constant state of civil war. By then, the Asian country was divided into different kingdoms that faced each other for the dominance of the country. People starved and thousands died from fighting.

Confucius sought to find peace amid the anarchy that struck the country. His main intention was to seize a government post, but he never succeeded; Instead, he decided to teach people a way to live in harmony with themselves and with those around them.

His teachings penetrated the society of the time and he became considered one of the most important philosophers and teachers in the history of China.

Although many times it is seen as a philosophy, Confucianism is also considered a religion that has its own gods and beliefs that are based on the ideas of its founder. However, it is considered a form of humanism that encompasses many areas of existence and is compatible with other religions.

Confucius

Confucius was a Chinese editor, writer, teacher, politician, and philosopher who lived from 551 BC to 479. He is credited with writing a large number of traditional Chinese texts, and his beliefs focused on the personal and governmental domain of human morality, the correctness of social interactions, justice and sincerity.

Confucius has been considered throughout the history of humanity as one of the most influential and important characters in the life of human beings.

His beliefs and teachings profoundly impacted millions of people around the world. In fact, they continue to do so today, despite more than 2,000 years having passed since their death.

characteristics

Confucianism is a world view, a social ethic, an ideological politics, a tradition, and even a way of life.

It can be considered both a philosophy and a religion, but it is certainly a way of thinking that encompasses many principles of both branches. It implies ancestral beliefs and a religiosity that is based on the human being.

Many South Asian people may consider themselves Buddhist, Christian, or Muslim, but this rarely excludes being considered Confucian.

In fact, Confucianism is not an organized religion. However, it spread from China to other Asian countries bringing with it strong influences on the religion and politics of the nations.

The most general way to define the characteristics of Confucianism is by referring to them as a way of life. It is valid to consider it a religion or a philosophy, but seeing it as a lifestyle is better appreciated everything that this concept encompasses.

The term Confucianism has no meaning in China, since the very name of Confucius is a Latinization of the real name of this philosopher and of the word "teacher". K'ung-fu-tzu meant "master K'ung," and that's where the name by which the thinker is known throughout the world originated.

Beliefs

Confucian beliefs have helped shape the views of the Chinese people today. Everything revolves around finding harmony, which is considered the most important social principle of all.

The belief in 3 specific attributes is also highlighted: piety, social order and the fulfillment of responsibilities.

Ren

Ren is the basic ethical principle of this religion, and encompasses love, piety, and humanity. It is a principle that is based on the Buddhist tradition of doing acts of kindness in life to obtain a better "life" in the afterlife.

Wu mon

The Wu Lun is the grouping of the 5 basic cardinal relationships of this religion:

- Sovereign and subject.

- Father and son.

- Older brother and younger brother.

- Husband and wife.

- Friend and friend.

Based on these principles, the belief of Confucianism is that the family comes before the individual and the father is the undisputed leader of the family. The older brother is the one who has more responsibilities within the family environment.

Furthermore, in the early days of Confucianism suicide was not seen as an act of cowardice; in many cases it was considered honorable if it was done as a way to fulfill a family responsibility.

Religion and gods

The religion that Confucianism promotes is not unique, but it has certain basic principles that those who adhere to this belief often uphold. The religion of the Confucian revolves around the relationship that man has with heaven; he seeks unity between the mortal and the god of heaven, who is known as Tiān.

One of the foundations of Confucianism is the search for balance between all things. This is reflected in the importance of yin and yang, a methodology that is applied not only by Confucianism itself, but by most of the Chinese religions.

The universe is said to exist as a consequence of organized chaos. Yin and yang represent the balance between good and bad, between chaos and order. The sky is not seen as something pre-existing to the world in which human beings live, but was created together with the formation of the universe.

Tiān

Confucius repeatedly referred to this concept. Its literal translation is "god of heaven", but it is not a specific representation of the God that is known in religions such as the Christian one. It is interpreted as the natural order of things.

Confucianism does not even exclude belief in other deities, which has made it a common philosophy among believers of many religions throughout history. Confucius himself said that it is okay to praise other deities than the supreme "natural" (ie God), as long as appropriate rites are used to avoid paganism.

Sacred books

The sacred writings of Confucianism are known as the Analects. They are the most praised written source by those who adhere to this philosophical religion and are believed to have been compiled by several generations of Confucian disciples.

These writings are based on everything the Chinese philosopher said, both orally and from what is in the written record. They capture the essence of Confucianism based on the teachings that Confucius gave before he died.

There are 5 books called The Five Classics, which in part are believed to have been written by Confucius, but it is also valid to think that the philosopher served as an influence for their creation. It should be noted that there is no historical record of their authorship, and some historians believe that they were written by their disciples. These are:

- Classic of history.

- Classic of the odes.

- Classic of changes.

- Annals of Spring and Autumn.

- Classic of the rites.

Symbols

Confucianism does not have an official symbol or icon that specifically represents it. However, the Chinese symbol for water is often used unofficially to refer to this religion, as it represents life itself.

Chinese symbol of water

Other common symbols that can be seen when speaking of Confucianism is the Chinese symbol for "scholar", and on many occasions an image of Confucius himself can also be used.

In addition, as Confucianism seeks a balance between chaos and order, it is also common to use the Taoist symbol of yin and yang to refer to this religion.

Yin and yang

Rites

Confucianism has the peculiarity of not having specific rites, beyond the ethical practices denoted in its beliefs (the Ren and the Wu Len). However, the rites practiced by Confucianists are usually those of other Chinese religions, such as Buddhism or Taoism.

Christianity or any other religion is not excluded, since Confucian beliefs are not exclusive of believing in Christ. The very concept of Tiān and the acceptance of praising other personal gods makes Confucianism can be practiced in conjunction with most of the great religions of the world.

References

1. The Origin of Conucianism, The Korea Society, (nd). Taken from chasonkorea.org
2. Confucianism, Judith Berling, (nd). Taken from asiasociety.org
3. Confucianism, Tu Weiming, March 16, 2018. Taken from britannica.com
4. Cultural Beliefs and Practices: Role of Confucianism, (nd). Taken from stanford.edu
5. Confucianism, Religion Facts, (nd). Taken from religionfacts.com
6. Confucian Practices, Religion Facts, (nd). Taken from religionfacts.com
7. Symbols of Confucianism, Religion Facts, (nd). Taken from religionfacts.com
8. Confucian Texts, Religion Facts, (nd). Taken from religionfacts.com