Confucianism
China was in the midst of social
and political upheaval at the time of Confucius' teaching.
The behavior of the average Chinese citizen was influenced
by years of tradition and custom but many of those
traditions and customs that governed people's lives
were being ignored as people became more individualistic.
Warfare between different states was continuous and
Chinese civilization teetered on the brink of self
destruction. The individualism that began to emerge
in Confucius' time was seen as a prelude to social
anarchy. Custom and tradition was the "mortar"
that kept society together and the "deliberate
tradition" social system that Confucius built
appealed to the people by using existing behavior
established by precedented custom and tradition. Confucius
used the teachings, morals, values and ideals of the
Chinese people to create a philosophy that would allow
the people to behave responsibly and still retain
the essence of China's history and cultural identity.
The following five terms outline the basic concept
of Confucius' philosophy.
1.JEN: "The virtue of virtues".
The goodness of the human spirit. The perfection of
what would make one supremely human. Untiring diligence,unselfishness,
courtesy and empathy. "Do not do unto others
what you would not want others to do to you."
The idea that all of mankind is bonded together as
brother and sister , the ideal relationship between
human beings.
2.Chun tzu: One who is comfortable with oneself and
one's surroundings and acts confidently. A mature
person.
3.Li: "The way things should
be done". Everything in its place should know
its place and act accordingly, if you find yourself
in a strange situation and don't know how you should
behave try to act with personal dignity. Revere the
elderly for their experience and knowledge and learn
from them of how to behave correctly.
4.Te: "The power by which
men are ruled". Te is the ruler's virtue, discipline,
honor and charisma with which he/she leads the people.
It is also the power that makes people want to be
ruled by that leader.
5.Wen: "The arts of peace".
The creative side of society (culture) that produces
art, poetry, philosophy, dance and music. These things
are admired and emulated.
Confucius was a sociologist. He broke
down the problems facing his people and came up with
a solution that somehow worked. People were ready
for change but not as yet able to identify what that
change might be. Confucius gave a well thought out
answer and made it easy to live a good life and still
be happy.
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