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