Confucianism

Mr. WillerFall 2009

The First Teacher

Confucius – Kung Fu-tzu; Master Kong; Kongzi: the one name that is associated with Chinese culture

The First Teacher

Early life was humble Failure in terms of his own ambitions At age 50 began a career as a

wandering teacher Failure as a politician – yet,

undoubtedly one of world’s greatest teachers

With his death came his glorification

Jen Jen – Names the ideal

relationship between two people

Perhaps best thought of as “human-heartedness”

Simultaneously a feeling of humanity towards others and respect for oneself

Chun tzu Chun tzu – the Mature

Person is perhaps the best translation

At home in the universe at large

How can I help others? Pleasant, good grace,

competent, poised, confident

Chun tzu

If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character;

If there is beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the home.

If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation.

If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.

Li Propriety – the way things

should be done French are most alike

culturally We must know what we

mean when we use words You are never alone when

you act – every action affects someone else

The family is the basic unit of society – venerate the elders because they have wisdom

Blue print for a well conducted life

Te Literally means

power Oppressive rule is

more cruel than a tiger

The power of moral example

Springs from inherent righteousness

Wen The arts of peace People who are

indifferent to are only half human

Victory goes to the nation that developes the highest wen, the most exalted culture

References

Smith, Huston. The World’s Religions. New York: HarperCollins, 1958.

Photos used from: www.georgeandpaula.com/photos/china/china.htm