FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS AND PHILOSOPHIES
Ren (仁) - Humaneness or Benevolence
Ren is the central virtue in Confucianism, representing
kindness, compassion, and empathy towards others. It is
the ethical foundation for all social interactions and
relationships.
Li (礼) - Ritual and Proper Conduct
Li encompasses rituals, customs, manners, and etiquette.
It stresses the importance of behaving appropriately in
different social contexts to maintain harmony and respect
within society.
Yi (义) - Righteousness or Justice
Yi refers to the moral disposition to do what is right and
just. It involves a sense of duty and the commitment to
ethical principles, even in the face of personal loss or
adversity.
Zhi (智) - Wisdom
Zhi is the virtue of knowledge and wisdom. It emphasizes
the importance of learning, education, and the thoughtful
application of knowledge in making moral decisions.
Xin (信) - Trustworthiness
Xin denotes honesty and integrity. It is the virtue of being
reliable, truthful, and sincere in one's actions and
relationships.
Xiao (孝) - Filial Piety
Xiao is the respect and devotion to one's parents and
ancestors. It is considered a fundamental virtue in
Confucianism and extends to respect for elders and
authority figures.
Zhong (忠) - Loyalty
Zhong is the virtue of loyalty and faithfulness to one's
family, friends, community, and country. It is closely
related to the concept of reciprocity in relationships.
THE FIVE KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Confucianism identifies five essential relationships that
define social harmony:
a. Ruler and subject
b. Parent and child
c. Husband and wife
d. Elder sibling and younger sibling
e. Friend and friend
Each relationship is based on a set of mutual obligations
and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of
hierarchy, respect, and care.
THE FIVE KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Confucianism places a strong emphasis on education and self-
cultivation. Learning is seen as a lifelong process essential for
personal development and moral improvement.
THE ROLE OF THE JUNZI (君子) - THE NOBLE PERSON
The concept of the Junzi refers to the ideal moral character.
A Junzi is someone who embodies all the virtues of
Confucianism and serves as a model for others in society.
This person acts with integrity, wisdom, and benevolence.
ORIGIN AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Confucianism originated in China during the 6th century BCE. It
was developed in response to the social and political
instability of the time, aiming to create a harmonious society
through the cultivation of moral virtues and the promotion of
proper conduct. The teachings of Confucius emphasized the
importance of family, respect for elders, reverence for
ancestors, and the cultivation of personal and governmental
morality.
FOUNDER(S) AND KEY HISTORICAL FIGURES
Confucius (Kong Fuzi or Kongzi)
The founder of Confucianism, Confucius was born in the
state of Lu (present-day Qufu, Shandong Province). He
was a teacher, philosopher, and political advisor who
sought to revive the moral standards of earlier periods. His
teachings were compiled by his disciples into texts such
as the Analects.
Mencius (Mengzi)
Mencius (372–289 BCE) was a prominent Confucian
philosopher who further developed and expanded upon
Confucius' ideas. He is best known for his belief in the
inherent goodness of human nature and his emphasis on
the role of benevolent governance.
Xunzi
CONFUCIANISM Another influential Confucian thinker, Xunzi (310–235 BCE)
offered a contrasting perspective to Mencius by asserting
that human nature is inherently selfish and that moral
virtues must be cultivated through education and ritual.
Zhu Xi
A prominent Neo-Confucian scholar during the Song
dynasty (1130–1200 CE), Zhu Xi synthesized Confucian
thought with Buddhist and Daoist elements. His
commentaries on the Four Books (the Analects, Mencius,
Great Learning, and Doctrine of the Mean) became central
texts in Confucian education.
Wang Yangming
A key figure in the development of Neo-Confucianism
during the Ming dynasty (1472–1529 CE), Wang Yangming
emphasized the unity of knowledge and action, and the
importance of innate moral intuition
Carmela Lucille Quemi
BS Psychology 3C
 IMPORTANT TEXTS AND SCRIPTURES IN
ART, LITERATURE, AND ARCHITECTURE INSPIRED BY THE
CONFUCIANISM
Confucianism's key teachings and principles are primarily
derived from several core texts, often referred to as the "Five
Classics" and the "Four Books." These texts encapsulate the
wisdom of Confucius and his followers and have been
essential to Confucian thought for centuries.
The Five Classics
1. Classic of Poetry (Shijing)
A collection of 305 poems and songs that reflect the
social and political life of the early Zhou Dynasty. It
emphasizes the importance of virtue, the role of the
ruler, and the influence of culture and education.
2. Book of Documents (Shujing)
A compilation of speeches, historical accounts, and
decrees from ancient Chinese rulers. It highlights the
principles of good governance, moral leadership, and
the relationship between heaven and humanity.
3. Book of Rites (Liji)
This text outlines the rituals, ceremonies, and social
norms that were crucial for maintaining social order
and harmony. It includes detailed descriptions of rites
for various occasions and the proper conduct expected
in different social roles.
4. I Ching (Yijing or Book of Changes)
A divination text that uses a system of hexagrams to
offer guidance on ethical decision-making and the
nature of change. It underscores the importance of
adaptability and the balance of opposites (Yin and
Yang).
5. Spring and Autumn Annals (Chunqiu)
A chronicle of the state of Lu, Confucius' home state,
covering the period from 722 to 481 BCE. It provides a
historical framework for understanding Confucian
values and the moral lessons drawn from historical
events.
The Four Books
1. Analects (Lunyu)
A collection of sayings and ideas attributed to
Confucius and his disciples. It covers various topics,
including morality, politics, and education, and serves
as a primary source for understanding Confucius'
philosophy.
2. Mencius (Mengzi)
This text contains the teachings of Mencius, who
expanded on Confucius' ideas. It discusses human
nature, the importance of benevolent leadership, and
the role of moral cultivation in achieving personal and
social harmony.
3. Great Learning (Daxue)
A treatise on the process of self-cultivation and moral
development. It outlines the steps to achieve personal
and social order, starting from individual self-cultivation
to family regulation, state governance, and ultimately
world peace.
4. Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong)
This text explores the concept of moderation and
balance in all things. It emphasizes the importance of
maintaining harmony and balance in personal behavior,
social interactions, and governance.
COMMON RELIGIOUS PRACTICES AND
RITUALS IN CONFUCIANISM
RELIGION
Festivals and Important Religious Events
Confucianism has had a profound influence on art, literature,
and architecture throughout East Asia, reflecting its emphasis
1. Confucius' Birthday (Teacher's Day)
on tradition, hierarchy, and moral values.
Celebrated on September 28th in China and various
Art: other dates in East Asia, this festival honors Confucius
Painting and Calligraphy: Confucian ideals of harmony and as the "Great Teacher." It involves ceremonies at
balance are often depicted in traditional Chinese and East Confucian temples, including offerings and traditional
Asian painting and calligraphy, which emphasize music and dance.
brushwork, simplicity, and natural themes. 2. Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day)
Sculpture and Statuary: Confucian values, such as filial Held around April 4th or 5th, this festival is dedicated
piety and respect for elders, are often represented in to honoring ancestors. Families visit ancestral graves
sculptures and statues of Confucius and other revered to clean them, make offerings, and perform rituals to
figures. pay respects to their deceased relatives.
Daily Practices and Observances
1. Ancestor Worship
A daily or regular practice where families make
offerings of food, incense, and prayers at home altars
or ancestral tablets to honor and remember their
ancestors. This reinforces the importance of filial piety
and family continuity.
2. Observing Ritual Propriety (Li)
Literature: Everyday interactions and social behavior are guided
Classical Literature: Confucian themes of moral integrity, by the principles of Li, ensuring respect, proper
loyalty, and the pursuit of knowledge permeate classical conduct, and harmony in personal and communal
Chinese literature, including historical texts, poetry, and relationships. This includes showing respect to elders,
philosophical treatises. fulfilling social roles, and participating in community
Neo-Confucianism: During the Song and Ming dynasties, rites and ceremonies.
Neo-Confucian scholars produced influential works
integrating Confucianism with Buddhist and Daoist thought, INFLUENCE OF THE RELIGION ON CULTURE
shaping philosophical discourse and literary styles. AND SOCIETY
Confucianism has profoundly influenced East Asian cultures
and societies, shaping social norms, family structures,
education systems, and governance practices. Its emphasis on
hierarchical relationships, filial piety, and moral integrity has
fostered a sense of social order and respect for authority,
which continues to be reflected in the cultural and social
dynamics of countries such as China, Korea, Japan, and
Vietnam.
Architecture: MODERN-DAY RELEVANCE AND PRACTICE
Confucian Temples: Designed to reflect Confucian In modern times, Confucianism remains relevant, particularly in
principles of order and hierarchy, these temples feature East Asian societies, where its principles continue to influence
symmetrical layouts, elaborate courtyards, and ancestral social values, education, and governmental policies. Its
halls where rituals and ceremonies are conducted. emphasis on moral integrity, respect for elders, and the
Imperial Architecture: Confucian principles influenced the importance of education and family cohesion is integrated into
layout and design of imperial palaces and government contemporary cultural practices, contributing to the ethical
buildings, emphasizing harmony with nature and the frameworks and societal norms in countries like China, South
symbolic representation of power and authority. Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.
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