World Religions - Confucianism

January 21, 2014 8:47 AM

Leonard Giang ID: 1014049 TA: Solinas Course: Rel 35

Presenter: Dr. Zhang Zhou Is this a monotheistic or polytheistic faith? Neither - Philosophy Is there something or someone that is the most important figure in this faith? Confucius - Kong Qiu What are the origins of this faith? Country? Time? Combination of other religions? Confucius (551-479 B.C.) China (Qufu of Lu state, Shadong Province) 479 B.C. - 1911 A.D. What are the Code of Ethics? Everyone deserves education. (People from all backgrounds, rich and poor.) Cultivation of gentlemen A harmonious society of governance Yi, Li, Zhi, Zhong, Xiao What is the belief regarding the afterlife? If we do not know life here, don't attempt there. (We know little of the living. Let us not look into the afterlife) What is the Path to Salvation? No path to salvation - No thoughts on the subject Explain 3 important rituals in this faith. Ancestral Worship & Filial Piety For great family unity and lineage. Belief that even after death, the original relationship doesn't change. Furthermore, it is believed the deceased have inclined spiritual power and are treated as deities who may interact and help the family. Cultivation of the Gentlemen [(Analects)3:7] Confucius said: The Gentleman has nothing to compete for. But if he must compete, he does it in an archery match, wherein he ascends to his position, bowing in deference. Descending, he drinks the ritual cup. This is the competition of the Gentleman. (trans. Prof. A.C. Muller) One initiative that Confucianism always aims to achieve is the cultivation of such gentlemen in society. Creating/Maintaining a harmonious society of governance The philosophy in Confucianism is, there should be a strong social connection - on good terms - between the people and their ruler. This is also seen and described in Confucianism through the 'Five Relationships': 1. Ruler & Subject 2. Father & Son 3. Husband & Wife 4. Older Sibling & Younger Sibling 5. Friend & Friend What are important symbols or items commonly used in this faith? List or draw them. The Analects Five Virtues Yin Yang Confucian Symbol Ideogram Water

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Symbol One of the principal texts in Confucianism. One of the 'Five Classics'. Six 'anchor concepts'. Ren compassion, affection Li/yi ritual/etiquette De virtue Xiao filial piety Tian harmony with the natural order Wu wei effortlessness Works Cited: Cultivation of the Gentlemen Doug 'Jkllr'
From <http://jkllr.net/2010/01/24/being-a-gentleman-according-to-confucius/>

Water

1. Gravity (seriousness) 2. Generosity 3. Sincerity 4. Earnestness 5. Kindness

Filial Piety, Five Virtues Theresa St. Amant

From <http://www.examiner.com/article/confucianism-the-moral-code-of-gentlemen>

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