CONFUCIANISM

Who was the founder? When?

• Confucius
• 6th to 5th century BC

where was it founded?

• China, Asia

Beliefs

• Humaneness or benevolence (ren)
• Loyalty to one's true nature (zhong)
• Reciprocy (shu)
• Filial piety (xaio)
• People have a greater purpose in the world

BELIEFS CONT.

• All people are teachable, improvable, and perfectible
• Believe in heaven(T'ien)

TEXTS

• Analects(Lun-yü)-most revered sacred scripture
• Confucian canon- five classics and four books
• The Five Classics: Shu Ching, Shih Ching, I Ching, Ch'un Ching, Li Ching
• The Four Books: Lun Yü, Chung Yung, Ta Hsueh, Meng Tzu

PRACTICES

• No specific rituals or practices
• Practices of Chinese religion, Taoism, and Buddhism

history

• Mencius, Xunzi, and others sustained Confucianism after Confucius
• Wasn't influential until Dong Zhongshu emerged in the 2nd century BC
• Recognized after as the Han State Cult & the Five Classics became the core of education
• In 1530 AD a Ming emperor reformed the cult to focus more on Confucius' teachings

holidays

• Birth date of Confucius: Sept. 28
• Qing Ming: 160 days after winter solstice
• Festival in April
• Chongmyo Taeje: First Sunday in May

sections/divisions

• The only branch is Neo-Confucianism
• Followers are free to profess other religions