Religion and Death (11) Confucianism and Death Aj. Masayo Urasaki Feb

Confucianism Confucianism is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius ("Master Kong", 551–478 BC)

Main Concept of Confucianism The core of Confucianism is humanism, the belief that human beings are teachable, improvable and perfectible through personal and communal endeavour especially including self-cultivation and self-creation.

Ren （仁） Ren is one of the basic virtues promoted by Confucius, and is an obligation of altruism and humaneness for other individuals within a community. Confucius' concept of humaneness is probably best expressed in the Confucian version of the Ethic of reciprocity, or the Golden Rule: "Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you."

Perspectives of "Human" Confucius never stated whether man was born good or evil,noting that 'By nature men are similar; by practice men are wide apart'—implying that whether good or bad, Confucius must have perceived all men to be born with intrinsic similarities, but that man is conditioned and influenced by study and practise.

Filial piety （孝） It is considered among the greatest of virtues and must be shown towards both the living and the dead (including even remote ancestors). The term "filial" (meaning "of a child") characterizes the respect that a child, originally a son, should show to his parents.

Relationship extended by analogy to a series of five relationships (The Five Bonds) 1) Ruler to Ruled 2) Father to Son 3) Husband to Wife 4) Elder Brother to Younger Brother 5) Friend to Friend

Five Bonds and Death Duties were extended to the dead, where the living stood as sons to their deceased family. This led to the veneration of ancestors. The only relationship where respect for elders wasn't stressed was the Friend to Friend relationship. In all other relationships, high reverence was held for elders.

Birth as a creative life form Confucianism considers the individual as a link in the chain of existence from the past to the future. Everyone should have descendents to continue the family tree. To have no children is considered the most unforgivable thing in life. Having a child, particularly a boy, is very important to carry on the family name.

View of Life and Death When people has died, Confusian believes that two spirits are separated. One spirit (KON) manages deceased's MIND, the other spirit (PAK) manages deceased'd BODY. KON go to the Sky( the Air), PAK go to the Land (the Ground)

Worship ancestors The family of deceased should enshure the ancestral memorlal tablet for confort KON (spirit of mind) PAK(spirit of body) will go to the Land, so the dead body bury to the grave. The descendant pray the deceased's spirits to rebirth this world.

Not believe Life after death Confucians do not believe in a life after death. To them, the most important mission in life is to practice the Five Virtues taught by Confucius, which include benevolence, wisdom, courage, truth and reverence. By practicing these virtues, Confucianists strive to live the best life possible on earth.