Confucius
The history of Chinese civilization spans thousands of years and encompasses countless ideas, beliefs, and societal and political doctrines. However, from a modern standpoint one distinct perspective prevails above the rest in the manner and degree it has influenced the development of China. For the previous 2,000 years the teachings of Confucius, and the systems of thought and behavior that have evolved from them, have had significant effects on Chinese thought, government institutions, literature and social customs. Confucianism has served a primary role as a social and moral philosophy and as practiced by many, especially in the educated upper classes, Confucianism had definite religious dimensions. The teachings of Confucius served to unite a developing society, binding together various aspects of civilization and culture into one coherent body that functions under common values and attitudes. Confucius sought a type of all encompassing unity for the world and for his people; his wisdom was intended to serve as guide. In the Analects, a compendium of Confucian teachings, Confucius said,'Be of unwavering good faith and love learning. Be steadfast unto death in pursuit of the good Way. Do not enter a state which is in
Man's original nature is pure and tranquil. Before it is aroused, the five moral principals of his nature, called humanity, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and faithfulness, are complete. As his physical form appears, it comes into contact with external tings and is aroused from within. As it is aroused from within, the seven feelings, called pleasure, anger, sorrow, joy, love, hate and desire, ensue. As feelings become strong and increasingly reckless, his nature becomes damaged. For this reason the enlightened person controls his feelings so that they will be in accord with the Mean. He rectifies his mind and nourishes his nature. (Ibid 2.3) Confucius quickly began to develop a reputation as a prominent instructor and sage. Even though he had ceased to function as a political administrator, his teachings were steeped in politics and state affairs. In fact, an inordinate number of Confucian pupils achieved great success as office seekers. In his last years, Confucius wholeheartedly devoted himself to editing the classical books of Chinese history now known as the Wu Jing or Five Classics. In these books Confucius sought to permanently preserve the ancient knowledge that he valued so dearly, and it seems to serve as a perfect legacy for this distinguished academic. Before endeavoring to understand Confucianism and its connection with China, it is necessary to develop and understanding of China in the pre-Confucius era, in which this philosophy evolved. The most ancient evidence of Chinese religious and social civilization dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1500 B.C.E. In this early agricultural society, there is evidence of some of the basic fundamentals of most Chinese religious thought; the pursuit, establishment, maintenance and enjoyment of harmony in the earthly world. During the Zhou dynasty (1122 - 771 B.C.E.), the path initiated by the Shang was sustained and expanded upon. The Zhou quest for harmony and order led to the development of some extremely crucial concepts that would directly effect the development of Confucianism. It was in this era that the notion of Tian, the force that can be best understood as heaven, first came to light. This later led to the conception of the idea of the Mandate of Heaven (Tian-ming) from which rulers derived all power and sense of legitimacy, due to the accordance of their behaviors with the norms of morality and ritual correctness. In connection with this, the relatively stable feudal society of Zhou era was responsible for the emergence of the tao. This principal made cosmic order and harmony possible; the tao can be thought of as the road or path from which come perfect unity, harmony and order. This idea played a critical role in the development of Confucianism and dramatically affected the course of Chinese development. Confucius is said to have embarked on his quest for knowledge, order and harmony in an effort to dispel the conflict and dissension that existed in his time. Throughout his life he would seek to bring about a return to the ancient values, through a standardization of rituals, the creation of a system of rationalized feudalism and, most importantly, the establishment of ethical relationships based upon the principals of reciprocity and benevolence. Confucius most likely started his career in a very lowly position (although some scholars dispute this) and through his intense devotion and perseverance was able to rise to a respected position in the civil service. It was at this time that Confucius is thought to have traveled widely in China, studying ancient rites and ceremonies. His devotion to antiquity was genuine and passionate. Confucius said,
Some common words found in the essay are:
, Daoist Buddhist, Ch'ien Nearly, Ju Xi, Confucius Lead, Five Classics, China Confucianism, BCE Zhou, Heaven Tian-ming, Li Confucianism, teachings confucius, confucius sought, moral principals, five moral principals, regulated social, understand confucianism, china studying, religious practices, confucius held, chinese civilization, zhou dynasty,
Approximate Word count = 2533
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
