Table of Contents
What did Confucius oppose?
Without denying the importance of rule by law, Confucius rejected narrow-minded legalism. At one point, the Analects (13/18) even portrays Confucius affirming that it would be right for a father to conceal the crimes of a son rather than turn him over to the authorities.
How did the thoughts of Confucius get written down?
Confucius was a philosopher and teacher who lived from 551 to 479 B.C.E. His thoughts on ethics, good behavior, and moral character were written down by his disciples in several books, the most important being the Lunyu. Confucianism believes in ancestor worship and human-centered virtues for living a peaceful life.
What led to the decline of Confucianism?
With the fall of the Han, the dynastic model, Confucianism fell into severe decline. With the reestablishment of Chinese dynastic power in the Tang (T’ang) dynasty (618–906) and the introduction of the Chan (Ch’an, or Zen Buddhist) premise that “there is nothing much to Buddhist teaching,” Confucianism began to revive.
What is the Confucius golden rule?
And five centuries before Christ, Confucius set forth his own Golden Rule: “Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.”.
Why did the Chinese citizens lose faith in Confucianism?
With the imperial government of China falling and the republic of China rising, Confucianism lost its place as the state-sponsored religion of China. However, in order to gain such power, many of the traditions and beliefs of old imperial China had to be rearranged if not completely thrown by the wayside.
What were the main teachings of Confucius?
His philosophical teachings, called Confucianism, emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, kindness, and sincerity. Confucianism was part of the Chinese social fabric and way of life; to Confucians, everyday life was the arena of religion.
What did Confucius stress?
Confucius stressed the cultivation of personal qualities such as benevolence, reciprocity, and filial piety. Confucius believed that education and reflection led to virtue, and that those who aspired to command others must cultivate discipline and moral authority in themselves.