Confucianism

Parts of World dominated by Confucianism Confucianism= BLUE, takes over more than half of China. Has about 5-6 million followers.

Confucianism Terms -Taoism: a religion native to China, its followers attempt to live according to the “Tao”, or the way which they believe governs the universe. -Daoism: philosophical system developed by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events -Yin/Yang: two principals of Chinese religion, one negative, dark and feminine (yin), and one positive, bright, and masculine (yang), the interactions with these influence the destinies of living things. -Five Classics: are described in terms of the five visions: metaphysical, political, poetic, social, and historical. -Five Elements: represent cyclic movements. Wood, fire, earth, water, and metal. This list was made to cover and explain all things. -Xin: refers to keeping ones word and being faithful. One of the “Five Constant Virtues.” -Yi: important in Confucianism, means justice and righteousness. -Zhi: Means wisdom, believed that wisdom didn’t just concern the persons ability and aptitude, but also his moral cultivation. -Jen: Another word for humaneness in Confucianism. -Chung: Means loyalty to the state. -Hsiao: filial piety, which is considered very important in this religion, is the primary duty of respect, obedience, and to care for ones elderly relation. Also means love within the family.

The Five Constant Virtues Ren- the virtue of benevolence, charity and humanity. Yi- honesty, uprightness. Zhong- doing ones best. Shu- consideration of others. Li- good manners, politeness, ceremony, or worship.

The Five Elements Water, Fire, Wood, Earth, and Metal. Corresponded with the colors black, red, blue-green, white, and yellow. Ancients believed that the elements made absolutely everything in nature. Chinas emperors would use the elements to select colors. People gradually established a relationship between colors and the principle of the five elements that guided to the natural movement of heaven and the heavenly Dao.

The Color Black The Book of Changes regards to the color black as Heaven’s color. The people observed the northern sky and noticed that it was black for a long time so they thought that their God resided in the Northern Star. Black and white are also used to represent the unity of Yin and Yang. Black was considered to be the king of the colors because it was honored longer than any of the other colors.

The Colors Red and Blue-Green Chinese people cherish the color red and wear it during the holidays like the Chinese New Year. Red symbolizes good fortune and joy. Blue-Green symbolizes spring when everything is overflowing with vigor and vitality.

The Color White Represented gold Symbolizes brightness, purity, and fulfillment. Also considered the color of mourning, people would wear white clothes and hats only when someone died, this tradition is still practiced today.

The Color Yellow The color yellow symbolizes the Earth. It’s the center of everything. Was the symbolic color for the five legendary emperors of China. Signifies neutrality and is considered the most beautiful color. Also represents freedom from worldly cares. Often decorates royal palaces, alters, and temples.

Facts about Confucianism Was founded in the 6th or 5th century B.C. by Confucius. Originally started in China. Eventually spread to Korea and Japan where it’s still studied in universities to teach moral values. Has been followed for 5-6 million years. It is sometimes viewed as a philosophy rather than a religion. Its influences have spread to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam East Asians seldom refer to themselves as followers of Confucius.

History of Confucius Was born in 551 B.C. Lost his father at an early age and was raised by his mother. Was a master of the six arts of : Ritual Music Archery Charioteering Calligraphy Arithmetic Was believed to be a teacher when he was in his twenties or thirties. Was loyal to the king so he was alienated from the power holders of the time.

History of Confucius con.. The kings inner circle was uninterested in his policies so at age 56 he left the country. He exiled himself for about 12 years and during that time he was accompanied by an expanding group of students. At the age of 67 he moved back to preserve his cherished ways of writing and editing. Confucius died in the year 479 B.C. at age 73.

Symbols Ideogram for water. Represents source of life in Chinese philosophy. Yin and Yang: symbolizes balance in nature between opposing forces. Usually used for weddings in the Chinese heritage, can be used to represent righteousness and total harmony in Confucianism.

Beliefs They believe in the great god, whom they worship and offer sacrifices to. These sacrifices are to be submitted through mediation of the king or princes of the government that they live in. They believe that the Earth has a separate god as does the sun, the moon, the stars, the clouds, and the mountains. A sacrifice must be offered to every separate god.

Beliefs con… Angels occupy a very high position in Confucianism, they are offered sacrifices as well. Also believe that the spirits of their ancestors are immortal. Offer sacrifices to them by having banquets, ceremonies, and large celebrations to make sure that they are content. They don’t believe in heaven, hell, or the resurrection of the body. Mainly concerned with moral values.

Moral Values Obedience to parents, older brothers, and rulers. Sincerity to friends, the refusal to cause harm to others, even in words, identical harmonies in words and deeds, rejection of hypocrisy, care for common interest, encouraging beneficial arts, sympathizing with foreigners, working for the common welfare of the princes and the common people of the empire.

Articles http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/01/13/confucius- shows-chinas-tiananmen-square/ This article is about how a huge sculptor of Confucius was unveiled in Tiananmen Square. The sculptor says he built it because he wanted people to remind people of the important things in life that Confucius taught. http://newdawnmagazine.com.au/Article/The_Beijing_G ames_Confucius_and_the_Very_Great_US_Depression. html This article talks about how China is planning on building a special city for people that follow Confucianism and how they think that America won’t like it because Washington sees them as a threat.