Confucianism 

 

The idea of harmony, yin-yang, and ancestral roots tied to the great yellow emperor are essential to Confucianism. Confucianism asks adherents to develop an alert mind, healthy body and a pure soul, Confucius also taught people to live in accordance with the Way of Heaven (that Heaven chose a particular man and his descendants to be the mediator between Heaven and the region.) For Confucians, heaven exists in the here and now. Confucianism is the active pursuit of Tao, a term that means “path”, “principle” or “way” correlating with Taoism, a tradition of Chinese origin that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao. It involves choosing actions that are in accordance with one’s sacred duty to follow the Way of Heaven, and that is achieved by practicing the Five Virtues. 

 

The Five Virtues are jen, yi, li, chih and hsin, all of whom are necessary for the individual to achieve a sense of peace and balance.

 

• Jen means goodwill, human heartedness, and sympathy towards others, of what that gives humans their humanity.

• Yi means rightness, to Confucians that is to respect their duty as guardians of nature and humanity.

• Li means is the art of right of conduct; this is where Confucians practise propriety in all they do. Propriety- to demonstrate inner attitude in outer expression

• Chih is wisdom. Express wisdom by demonstrating Jen, Yi and Li

• Hsin is faithfulness and trustworthiness.  

 

Another belief among Confucianism is the teachings of The Five Relationships:

 

• Father/son

• Ruler/citizen

• Husband/wife

• Older brother/younger brother

• Friend/friend

 

Focuses on the importance of mutuality when dealing with one another, it involves mutual respect and recognition in order for it to function.

 

Overall the beliefs of Confucianism center themselves around humaneness, harmony, kindness, wisdom and obedience.