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CONFUCIANISM
Chapter 26
The Doctrines of Confucianism
A concept that was entrenched in China long before the time of Confucius is that of filial piety (Hsaio) which can be described as devotion and obedience by the younger members of the family toward the elders, particularly in the case of son to father. This loyalty and devotion to the family was the top priority in Chinese life. Such duty to the family, especially devotion to the elders, was continued throughout ones life.
Confucius stressed this concept in his teachings, and it was well received by the Chinese people, both then and now.
Confucianism's doctrines can be summarized by six key terms or ways. Jen is the golden rule; Chun-Tu the gentleman; Cheng-Ming is the role player; Te is virtuous power; Li is the standard of conduct; and Wen encompasses the arts of peace. A brief discussion of the six principles reveals the basic doctrinal structure of Confucianism.
Jen. Jen has the idea of humaneness, goodness, benevolence or man-to-meanness. Jen is the golden rule, the rule of reciprocity; that is to say, do not do anything to others that you would not have them do to you. "Tzu-Kung asked, 'Is there a single word which can be a guide to conduct throughout ones life? The master said, 'It is perhaps the word "Shu." Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire' "
Note
This negative stating of the golden rule compares with the negative way many other religions also state it. On the other hand, Jesus' positive statement of the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," commands a higher degree of service to others by His love.
Chun-tzu. Chun-tzu can be translated variously as the gentleman, true manhood, the superior man, or man-at-his-best. The teachings of Confucius were aimed toward the gentleman, the man of virtue.
Huston Smith observes, "If Jen is the ideal relationship between human beings, Cliun-tzu refers to the ideal term of such relationships." Confucius had this to say about the gentleman:
(Confucius
He who in this world can practice five things may indeed be considered man-at-his-best.
What are they?
Humility, magnanimity, sincerity, diligence, and graciousness. If you are humble, you will not be laughed at. If you are magnanimous, you will attract many to your side. If you are sincere, people will trust you. If you are gracious, you will get along well with your subordinates.
It is this type of man who can transform society into the peaceful state it was meant to be.
Cheng-ming. Another important concept according to Confucius was Cheng-ming, or the rectification of names. For a society to be properly ordered, Confucius believed everyone must act his proper part. Consequently, a king should act like a king, a gentleman like a gentleman, etc.
Confucius said, "Duke Ching of Ch'i asked Confucius about government. Confucius answered, 'Let the ruler be a ruler, the subject a subject, the father a father, the son a son.' "
Te. The word te literally means "power," but the concept has a far wider meaning. The power needed to rule, according to Confucius, consists of more than mere physical might. It is necessary that the leaders be men of virtue who can inspire their subjects to obedience through example. This concept had been lost during Confucius's time with the prevailing attitude being that physical might was the only proper way to order a society. Confucius looked back at history to the sages of the past, Yao and Shun, along with the founders of the Chou dynasty, as examples of such virtuous rule. If the rulers would follow the example of the past, the people would rally around the virtuous example.
Li. One of the key words used by Confucius is li. The term has a variety of meanings, depending upon the context. It can mean propriety, reverence, courtesy, ritual or the ideal standard of conduct.
Wen. The concept of wen refers to the arts of peace, which Confucius held in high esteem. These include music, poetry and art. Confucius felt that these arts of peace, which came from the earlier Chou period, were symbols of virtue that should be manifest throughout society.
what did followers of Confucianism believe?
