Confucianism
By Elizabeth, Kevin, and Kody
DistributionPrimary followers in mainland China and TaiwanKorea has the largest population outside of ChinaInfluential in Japan and Vietnam6,028,000 followers in the world
99.4% are in Asia
DiffusionBooks by Confucius were required texts for admission
to Chinese administration for over 1500 yearsScholars put emphasis on popularizing Confucian
valuesYi dynasty (1392–1910), Confucianism was state
ideologyDiffused through:
Folk songsPopular DramaLiterature and Arts
DiffusionMany Confucian academies built
Diffused to both Korea and Japan
Diffusion halted during Japanese occupationNumber of followers declined
New government after World War 2 did not support Confucianism
Today, Confucianism is a major influence on values and society in Asia
OriginsBegan about 2,500 years ago in
the Chinese province of LuFounded by Supreme Sage
K’ung-fu-tsu (Confucius) and Second Sage Meng-tzu (Mencius)
Confucius was a philosopher and teacher whose pupils recorded his sayings
Emphasized the importance of Li, propriety and virtue, in order to become the Superior Man
SayingsBefore you embark on a journey of revenge, dig
two graves.Forget injuries, never forget kindnessStudy the past if you would define the futureBy nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they
get to be wide apart
System of BeliefsMajor scriptures: The Analects, Doctrine of the Mean,
Mencius, and Great LearningPrimary goal: to create a true nobility through proper
education and the indoctrination of all the virtuesBelief in the presence of the Supreme Ruler and Heaven The purpose of life is to follow an orderly and reverent
existence in accord with LiGolden Rule: Never do to others what you would not like
them to do to youTradition, obligation, sympathy, and respect
OrganizationConfucius believed in a system called “Ruling by
Rites”Representative form of government In order to maintain order and peace, the people
needed to respect and follow their superiors, but mutual respect was necessary at all times
Confucianism became the base for the social system in Asia
OrganizationNo denominations or sectsFollowers are free to profess other religions and
yet still be ConfuciansTaught in Eastern Asian countries including China,
Taiwan, Korea and VietnamConsidered an ideology and taught in schoolsConfucian leaders are mostly elderly and remain
at schools to teach future generations
Effect on LandscapeHas affected landscape
through meticulous attention to orderReflected in organization of
buildings and public works
Most Confucius temples are also used as Buddhist and Taoist temples
Many Confucian academies have been turned into museums Confucius statue at the Confucius Temple (Beijing)
Conflict
Confucius JokesMan who drive like hell bound to get thereMan who lives in glass house should change
clothes in basementWise man never play leapfrog with unicornMan with one chopstick goes hungry