Confucianism is a complex set of ethical and philosophical categories, created on the basis of the teachings of the ancient Chinese sage Confucius. After his death, the teaching was developed and supplemented by the followers of Confucius and began to play a colossal role in all areas of the life of Chinese society. It also had a great influence on the peoples of the neighboring countries of Korea and Japan.
What are the basic principles of Confucianism?
Confucianism is a term coined by Europeans; in Chinese, there is no such equivalent. The Chinese themselves call this teaching "the school of educated people" or "the school of learned scribes."
The ancient sage and thinker created his teaching during a period of strong political and social upheaval. The weakening of central authority, unrest, bloodshed and anarchy - this was the surrounding reality. It is not surprising that Confucius, in contrast to this, promoted a structure of society that would be an example of tranquility, harmony, and order. According to his views, every member of society, from the last poor man to the emperor, should clearly know their rights and responsibilities, and also fulfill their duty impeccably.
Society, according to Confucius, should resemble a complex mechanism that can work only if each part of it is in its place and kept in order.
The ideal of state structure, from the point of view of Confucius, is as follows: the supreme ruler has unlimited power, but he must have high moral qualities and listen carefully to the advice of smart, educated people (Confucius called them the term "zhu" - "scientists"). The support of the state is the family, where the supreme power belongs to the father, and all household members are obliged to show him respect and obey. The subordinate is also obliged to show respect and unquestioning obedience to the superior, the latter - to an even higher superior, and so on.
Sons of piety was elevated by Confucius to the rank of the greatest virtue, and any opposition to parental authority, on the contrary, was considered the greatest sin.
It was this model of social structure that prevailed in China until recently. Even in the era of Mao Zedong, when Confucianism was not only condemned, but also persecuted, it retained a great influence on all aspects of the life of the Chinese people.
Is Confucianism a Religion?
Certain elements of religion, of course, are present in Confucianism, for example, the cult of the Supreme Being, which Confucius considered Heaven, the cult of ancestral spirits. However, neither the adherents of Confucianism themselves, nor the Sinologists still have an unequivocal opinion on this matter.
