INTRODUCTION TO WORLD

RELIGIONS & BELIEF

SYSTEMS
2nd Quarter: Module 4

Mary Ann C. Doctor

Rogelio DG. Burce
Module Writer

Department of Education • Republic of the Philippines

HUMSS – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 4
First Edition, 2020

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 12
INTRODUCTION TO WORLD
RELIGIONS & BELIEF
SYSTEMS
Quarter 2 – Module 4:
Confucianism

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk4
Content Standard
The learner demonstrates understanding of the elements of Confucianism;
a. Founder: Confucius (551-479 B.C.)
b. Sacred texts: Confucian Classics
c. Doctrines: Mandate of Heaven, T”ien, Human nature as originally good (Mencius) or evil (Hsun
Tze), Rectification of Names, The Moral Way consisting of five cardinal virtues, Filial Piety, and
Ancestor Worship
d. God: Heaven
3. Issues: Gender inequality, Authoritarianism
Performance Standard
The learner presents a character sketch of a person who personifies the Confucian virtues
Most Essential Learning (Week 12)
Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related issues of
Confucianism.
Learning Competency
● Describe the five basic relationships (king to subject, father to son, husband to wife, elder
brother to younger brother and friend to friend)
● Give examples of acts showing filial piety in the family, community and society
● Explain the core teaching of Confucianism is to be a “gentleman” by following the moral way
consisting of the virtues of love, righteousness, wisdom, propriety and loyalty in order to
promote harmony in society.
● Present a character sketch of a person who personifies the Confucian virtues

● The lessons included in your module teaches you the basic concepts on the beliefs and
practices of Confucianism.
● It also helps you to identify the founder of Confucianism and how this belief started.
● In addition, it will help you to understand the concept of golden rule and the core teaching of
Confucianism.
● Moreover, it helps you to analyze what are the related issues concerning to the beliefs of
Confucianism.
Let’s get started……tune up!!!!

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk4
Multiple Choice: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of your correct answer on the space
provided.
1.________ The oldest religion in China.
a. Hinduism b. Christianity c. Confucianism d. Judaism
2.________He was the founder of Confucianism.
a. Confucius b. Lao Tzu c. Mencius d. Xunzi
3.________Which country in Asia is largest adherents of Confucianism.?
a. China b. Japan c. South Korea d. Taiwan
4._______It is the sacred space or the house of worship for Confucianism.
a. Church b. Mosque c. Synagogue d. Temple
5._______ This term refers to the respect for ancestors and parents.
a. Jen b. Filial Piety c. Li d. Xi
6._______ What is the sacred text or scripture of Confucianism?
a. Analects b. Bible c. Torah d. Vedas
7._______ It is the collection of documents and speeches of royalty and ministers mainly from Shang to
Zhou dynasty.
a. Classic of Odes b. Classics of Autumn and Annals
c. Classic of Change d. Classic of History
8._______At what age, Confucius started to love learning?
a. 14 b. 15 c. 18 d. 20
9. _______In what dynasty of China Confucius exists?
a. Chin b. Han c. Tang d. Zhou
10._____ Which of the following do not belong to the doctrines of Confucianism?
a. Mandate of Heaven b. Filial Piety
c. Karvana d. Rectifications of Names

LOOKING BACK

Fill in the blank: Choose your answer on the boxes below and write it on the space provided.
1. ____________It is a mixture of Indian Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism.
2. ____________It means teacher, a monk or nun.
3. ____________A Mogul word means “ocean.”
4. ____________World’s largest charity organization of Buddhism.
5. ____________The sacred book of Mahayana Buddhism.
Mahayana Therevada Tzu Chi Dalai Lama Analects Sutras
Buddhism Buddhism

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk4
 Let’s Fonder!!

How did Confucianism begin?

How many of you heard the biblical phrase, 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'
The Chinese philosophy of Confucianism sets it this way: 'Do not do to others what you would have
them not do to you.'
Several school of thoughts were born in the chaotic periods in China namely the spring and Autumn
Period as well as the Warring States Period. Four of the most influential school of thought which
flourished in China during this period were Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism and Legalism. These
school of thoughts including the Mahayana Buddhism all make up the Daoic religions. These
religions are centered on the Chinese philosophy of Dao (or “The Way”) which refers to the moral
order that pervades the universe or the forces behind the natural order.
Unlike Christianity, Confucianism is technically not a religion. But it does share the Christian
approach of loving others. Confucianism is based entirely on kindness, mutual respect and an
appreciation for character virtues, that’s why some considers Confucianism as philosophy. Some
scholars said that Kong Fuzi did not mean to found a new religion when he started formulating his
ideas, but to solve the chaotic in their society brought by the warring states and to revive the
ancient religion of Zhou dynasty.
Because Confucianism seldom touched topics about religion, other brand it as humanist,
advocating a practical wisdom without much exploratory subject. Cultivated by Confucius in China
in the 6th-5th century BCE, it is founded on the belief that society can flourish only when people
learn to interact positively with each other.
On the other hand, Confucianism also considered as religion because its ideals were inspiring, it
aims the sense of supernatural relationship with excellence to other people. Focus on the
relationships for it is often taken for granted, that this relationship we encounter everyday should
be the easiest to perfect but in reality it is the hardest to attain. Moreover, Confucius
emphasized the importance of rituals which can bring them to the ideal society on their ancestors
when there is harmony heaven and earth. Confucianism greatly influenced the political and
spiritual life of East Asian people.
Moreover, we may view Confucianism as religion and philosophy because it teaches the practical
way of life for so many Chinese for a long time that it has been intensely rooted in the structure of
Chinese societies even politics.
As of 2010, there are six million adherents of Confucianism.
MARY ANN C. DOCTOR
Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk4
❖ THE LIFE OF CONFUCIUS

❖ Confucianism Sacred Scriptures

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk4
 The Analects or Lun-yu (conversations or sayings) is the most revered sacred scriptures in
the Confucian tradition. Probably, it was compiled by the second generation of Confucius’
disciples and written during the Warring states up to Han Dynasty.
Analects were based primarily on the Master’s sayings preserved in oral and written
transmissions. It consists of the Five Classics and the Four Books.
The Five Classics The Four Books
1. Classic of History (Shu Ching)- 1. Lun Yu (Anaclets) of Confucius- The
collection of documents and speeches of Analects or Lun-yu (conversations or
royalty and ministers mainly from Shang to sayings) is the most revered sacred
Zhou dynasty. scriptures in the Confucian tradition
2. Classic of Odes (Shih Ching)- collection 2. Doctrine of the Mean. Another chapter
of 300 poems and 500 songs from early in Classic of Rites, attributed to Confucius'
Chou Dynasty. Considered as oldest grandson Zisi. The purpose of this small,
existing compilation of Chinese poetry and 33-chapter book is to demonstrate the
was supposedly compiled by Confucius. usefulness of a golden way to gain perfect
virtue. It focuses on the "way", that is
prescribed by a heavenly mandate not only
to the ruler but to everyone.
3. Classic of Changes ( I-Ching)- collection 3. Great Learning- It consists of a short
of writings of divination on a set of 64 main text attributed to Confucius and nine
hexagrams that reflects the relationship commentary chapters by Zeng Zi, one of
between Yin and Yang in nature and Confucius's disciples. It is significant
society. because it expresses many themes of
Chinese philosophy and political thinking,
and has therefore been extremely influential
both in classical and modern Chinese
thought.
4. Spring and Autumn Annals ( Ch’un 4. Book of Mencius (Meng Tzu)- A
Ching)-excerpt from the history of state of collection of conversations of the scholar
Lu,said to compiled by Confucius himself. Mencius with kings of his time. In contrast
The name, actually an abbreviation of to the sayings of Confucius, which are short
“Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter,” The and self-contained, the Mencius consists of
work is a complete—though exceedingly long dialogues with extensive prose.
sketchy—month-by-month account of
significant events that occurred during the
reign of 12 rulers of Lu, the native state of
Confucius.
5. Classic of Rites ( Li Ching)- consists of
three books on the LI (Rites of Property).
Compilation of ceremonial rituals,
administration, and social forms of the
Zhou dynasty.
(https://sites.google.com/site/confucianismjonkelsey/home/sacred-text(http://www.chinexpats.com/ChineseLiterature2.htm)
❖ BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES

Confucianism perhaps is more often known for his Golden Rule: “Do not do unto others what
you would not have them unto you.? This saying teaches the ethics of empathy and reciprocity.
It requires people to treat others equal to themselves and equally the same manner as they
would have wanted to be treated. Some of the most important Confucian doctrines include;
Mandate of Heaven, the idea of T”ien or heaven, Rectification of Names, The Moral Way
consisting of five cardinal virtues, Filial Piety or beliefs in ancestors.
1. Mandate of Heaven
The continuation of the mandate was believed to be conditioned by the personal behavior of the
ruler, who was expected to possess yi (“righteousness”) and ren (“benevolence”). If the emperor’s
personal life became immoral or his rule tyrannical, Confucianism taught, he had not only lost his
right to rule but should be removed by revolution, if necessary.

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk4
According to this idea, there could be only one legitimate ruler of China at a time and did not
require a ruler to be of noble birth, and had no time limitations. Instead, rulers were expected to be
good and just in order to keep the Mandate and this ruler reigned as the “Son of Heaven” with the
approval of the gods. If a king ruled unfairly he could lose this approval, which would result in his
downfall. Overthrow, natural disasters, and famine were taken as a sign that the ruler had lost the
Mandate of Heaven.
2. The Idea of T’ien or Heaen
Tiān (天), a key concept in Chinese thought, refers to the God of Heaven. Confucius used the
term in a mystical way. He wrote in the Analects (7.23) that Tian gave him life, and that Tian
watched and judged. Confucius says that a person may know the movements of the Tian, and
this provides with the sense of having a special place in the universe. Confucius says that Tian
spoke to him, though not in words. Regarding personal gods in the Analects Confucius says that
it is appropriate for people to worship hem, though through proper rites implying respect of
positions and discretion.
3. Rectifications of Names
Confucius believed that social disorder often stemmed from failure to perceive, understand, and
deal with reality. People must play their assigned role in society. This was later called as
rectification of names or zhengming, The Five Relationships that under the concept of Li is based
on the philosophy of Confucius that a healthy life required a structured society. This
relationship highlighted the upright hierarchy.
a. King to subject- a good ruler is benevolent and the ruler’s subject are loyal.
b. Father to son- a father is loving to his son, and the son demonstrate respect to his father.
c. Husband to Wife- a husband must be good to his wife, and wife must be obedient to his
husband.
d. Elder brother to younger brother- an older sibling must be gentle to younger siblings, and
younger sibling must be respectful to their older siblings.
e. Friend to friend- two friends must be considerate and respectful to each other.
4. Five (5) Cardinal Virtues
Confucius taught five virtues a gentleman should practice every day to live a healthy,
harmonious life:
a. Ren (Jen)- is the virtue of benevolence, charity, and humanity. For followers of Confucianism,
it is the ultimate guide to human action.
b. Yi (Yee)- implies a moral sense; of honesty and uprightness.
c. Zhi- knowledge/wisdom can be achieved by knowing what is right or wrong, which is
innate to people who are basically good according to Mencius.
d. Xin- virtue of faithfulness and integrity; and,
e. Li- correct behavior, or propriety, good manners, politeness, ceremony, worship can be
achieved by following the norms of Ren.
5. Filial Piety or beliefs in ancestors
In Confucian philosophy, filial piety (孝, xiào) is a virtue of respect for one's parents and
ancestors, and of the hierarchies within society: father–son, elder–junior and male–female. The
Confucian classic Xiaojing ("Book of Piety"), thought to be written around the Qin-Han period,
has historically been the authoritative source on the Confucian tenet of xiào. In more general
terms, filial piety means to be good to one's parents; to take care of one's parents; to engage in
good conduct not just towards parents but also outside the home so as to bring a good name to
one's parents and ancestors.
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism#:~:text=The%20worldly%20concern%20of%20Confucianis

❖ Symbols of Confucianism
There are four major symbols that signify the beliefs and views of Confucianism. These
include: "Confucius", the Chinese character for water, the Chinese character for scholar, and
Yin Yang.

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk4
 (https://confucianismbmhs.weebly.com/symbols-icons--sacred-writings.html#)
❖ Practices and Rituals
Confucianism believe that participation in ritual serves uniting people, and strengthening the
community. However, Confucianism does not hold all the aspects of a religion (such as
Christianity or Islam), nor do they hold regular practices and rituals. Instead they symbolize
four important times in one’s life. These are: birth, reaching maturity, marriage and death.
1. Birth - the Tai-Shen (spirit of the fetus) protects the expectant mother, and deals harshly
with anyone/thing that harasses or harms the woman. She receives a special diet and is
given one month to rest after the delivery of the baby. Her parents are responsible for
everything that is needed to support the child, on the first, fourth, and twelfth month
anniversary of the child's birth.
2. Marriage- there are six separate things that happen during the marriage rituals, these
include:
a. Proposal: Both sides of the relationship share the hour, day, month, and year of their
birth.
b. Engagement: After the couple decides the date of the wedding, the bride announces
the wedding with invitations and gifts of cookies shaped like the moon.
c. Dowry: A dowry is a transfer of parental belongings when their daughter is getting married.
Gifts equal in value after given to the bride and groom.
d. Procession: The groom proceeds to the bride’s home, and brings her back to his place, with
much happiness and excitement.
e. Marriage: The couple recites their vows that will bond them together for a lifetime, toast
each other with wine, and then take center stage at a banquet consisting of friends, and the
families of both bride and groom.
f. Morning After: The bride serves breakfast to the groom’s parents, and then the parents do
the same.
4. Death - After the death of a loved one, the family cry aloud to inform the neighbors of the
tragic news. The family begin to mourn by making clothes made of course material, and wearing
them. Food and objects important to the deceased are placed into the coffin with him/her. A public
worship (called a Liturgy) is performed on the seventh, ninth, and forty-ninth days after the burial,
along with the first and third year anniversary of the death.
(https://confucianismbmhs.weebly.com/beliefs--practices.html)
❖ Key holidays and festivals
The main holidays that Confucianism celebrates are:
1. The birthday of Confucius- which is September 28th. This festival is held each year, to pay their
respects to the founder of Confucianism. The holiday lasts 10 days. 

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk4
2. Qing ming- It occurs 106 days after the winter solstice, on this day people who believe in
Confucianism go to their ancestor’s graves and give them offerings such as, paper money and paper
cloths. Usually food is offered after ceremonies, however, with Confucianism they offer food during
the ceremony.
3.  Chongmyo Taeje- This ceremony is to honor the kings and queens of the Yi dynasty. This holiday
takes place on the 1st Sunday of May.
4. Ching Ming- is also known as Tomb sweeping day, or ancestor day. It is celebrated on the 15th
day from the spring equinox. Believers visit their ancestors graves and present them with gifts, they
also sweep their ancestors graves.
(https://10cpconfucianism.weebly.com/holidays-and-festivals.html)
❖ Selected Issues
Particular issues arise when we try to reexamine the relevance of Confucianism and Neo-
Confucianism. One of the characteristic of the Confucian social order is the fixed and strict
hierarchy with the higher partners as stated in The Five Relationships. Some of the issues
pertaining to Confucianism are;
1. Female Subordination and Sexuality
Women were at the lowest of the Confucian hierarchy. Exemplary behavior and uncomplaining
obedience was expected of them. By custom, aristocratic men and women lived separately. Men had
multiple wives and concubines, but women were not allowed to see men other than their close
relatives, husbands, or masters, or the palace eunuchs. Homosexuality was discouraged, but not
specifically condemned as "sinful." Abortion was also discouraged, except in cases where the
mother's health was endangered.
women were expected to demonstrate obedience before all other virtues, and at every stage of life. As
children, girls were required to obey their fathers; as wives, women were required to obey their
husbands; and as widows, women were required to obey their grown-up sons. At no point in her life
was a woman, according to the traditional Confucian view, expected to function as an autonomous
being free of male control.
2. Authoritarianism
It is another challenge that Confucianism still faces at present. Since Confucianism stresses the
hierarchy between relationships this has been criticized on the issue of father and son relationship,
especially on the aspects of allowing the bad behavior of a father and requiring the son to accept it.
Confucianism teaches that the father must be respected and obey by his at all cost no matter what.
While the daughter when she becomes a mother, she will be in an inferior position to her husband.
It has been seen as weakness of Confucianism. Authoritarianism of Confucianism might drag
everyone down. One does not have to strive hard to rise to the top or to proposed new ideas
especially those in the lowest rank in the company that it might endanger the system of their
organization

From this Biography Trading Card, provide information about the life of Confucius!

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk4
Guide Questions:
1. Why do you think Confucius is very important in the lives of East Asia especially in China?
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
2. How do you describe Confucianism, is it a religion or philosophy? Explain your answer.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Activity 2- Know the Difference. Fill the graphic organizer, the similarities and differences
of Five Classics to the Four Books.
Text Support All statemet 3
are suppoted
by the text.
Placement All the 4
statements in
the circle are
not similar
within the two
outside circle.
No.of Quality Make at least 3
Statement 3-5
statements for
comparison in
each circle.
Total 10pts.

Fill up the table the basic facts about Confucianism.

Founder
God
Sacred Texts
Doctrines

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk4
Sects
Issues
Sacred Space

What I Can Do
Definition of Terms. Provide simple definitions of the following terms.
1. Confucianism_________________________________________________________________________-
2. T’ien___________________________________________________________________________________
3. Ching Ming ___________________________________________________________________________
4. Analects _____________________________________________________________________________
5. Qing ming ____________________________________________________________________________
6. Mandate of Heaven____________________________________________________________________
7. Filial Piety_____________________________________________________________________________
8. Ren___________________________________________________________________________________
9. Zhi____________________________________________________________________________________
10. Xen _________________________________________________________________________________

A. Matching Type: Match column A with Column B. Write the correct letter on the space
provided.
a. Daoism _________1. Chinese symbol for scholar
b. Women _________ 2. Chinese symbol for water
c. Ching Ming _________ 3. Virtue for respect for ancestors and parents
d. Chongmyo Taejo __________4. Virtue of Benevolence
e. Filial Piety
f. __________5. Rectifications of names
__________6. Refers to the God of Heaven
g.
__________7. The Way
h. Ren __________8. Known as tomb sweeping day
i. Zhengmeng ___________9. Lowest rank on Confucian hierarchy
j. T’ian __________10. Honor the Kings and Queens of Yi Dynasty

Answer the following questions;

1. What particular values of Confucianism do you think that we need to adopt to solve the graft and
corruption in the Philippines especially now on the issue on Department of Health and to the
Phil.Health?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk4
2. In Filipino culture, how do we show our filial piety to our ancestor and parents? Cite at least five
examples.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3. Make a Biography Trading Card. Choose one of a person from our public officials from President
down to Mayors that you think personifies the Confucian virtue of a “gentleman” or “junzi”.

Referrences:

Villamor, Quebral S, Pathway to Devotion ,Lorimar Publishing, 2018

Jose, Mary Dorothy DL & Ong, Jerome A, Vibal Publishing, 2016
Website:
https://10cpconfucianism.weebly.com/holidays-and-festivals.html)
(https://confucianismbmhs.weebly.com/beliefs--practices.html)
https://confucianismbmhs.weebly.com/symbols-icons--sacred-writings.html#)
(https://sites.google.com/site/confucianismjonkelsey/home/sacred-text(http://www.chinexpats.com/ChineseLiterature2
.htm)
(https://www.britannica.com/biography/Confucius)

Answers Key

PRE-TEST REVIEW POST TEST

1. C 1. MAHAYANA 1. G
2 A BUDDHISM 2. F
3. A 2. LAMA 3. E
4. D 3. DALAI 4. H
5. B 4. TZU HSI 5. I
6. A 5. SUTRAS 6. J
7. D 7. A
8. B 8. C
9. D 9. B
10. C 10. D

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk4