Describe the basic beliefs of Confucianism

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Confucianism, which means the "family of scholars," started as a school of thought or a tradition of learning before its eventual leader, Confucius, was born. Confucius lived in China between 551 and 479 B.C.E. and emerged as a teacher at about the same time that the Buddha became a significant figure in India. Confucius, whose sayings are collected in the analects, taught that people must learn the importance of order in human relationships and must follow a strict code of moral conduct, including respect for others, benevolence, and reciprocity.

A central teaching of Confucius was that humans are by nature good and that they learn best by having an example or role model. As a result, he created a junzi, or model person, who has such attributes as being upright regardless of outward circumstances, being magnanimous by expressing forgiveness toward others, being directed by internal principles rather than external laws, being sincere in speech and action, and being earnest and benevolent. Confucius wanted to demonstrate these traits, and he believed that he should be a role model for his students. The junzi's behavior is to be based on the Confucian principle of Li, meaning righteousness or propriety, which refers both to ritual and to correct conduct in public. One of the central attributes exhibited by the junziis ren(jen), which means having deep empathy or compassion for other humans.

Confucius established the foundation for social hierarchy—and potential conflict— when he set forth his Five Constant Relationships: ruler-subject, husband-wife, elder brother- younger brother, elder friend-junior friend, and father-son. In each of these pairs, one person is unequal to the other, but each is expected to carry out specific responsibilities to the other. Confucius taught that due authority is not automatic; it must be earned.

The subject does not owe loyalty to the ruler or authority figure if that individual does not fulfill his or her end of the bargain. Confucianism is based on the belief that Heaven and Earth are not separate places but rather a continuum in which both realms are constantly in touch with each other. According to this approach, those who inhabit Heaven are ruled over by a supreme ancestor and are the ancestors of those persons who are on Earth.

These forefathers are eventually joined by those who are currently on Earth; therefore, death is nothing more than the promotion to a more honorable estate.