Confucianism as a religion originated more than two thousand years ago.At the very beginning of its development it was only ethical and political doctrine that only after the death of Confucius has become a real religion, which, despite the technical and ethical revolution, and today is the basis of Chinese and Japanese lifestyle.
Confucianism: general characteristics
In fact, in developing their rules and writing their papers, Confucius did not invent anything new.He just remembered the old traditions and gave them a whole new breath and sense.
Ancient Chinese philosophers extolled the beauty and harmony of nature.They considered that the nature and the world around were created perfect.And it is in the nature of man had to learn the rules of conduct.It was believed that only reach harmony with the environment, is fully felt its power, man can achieve peace with himself.
Confucius never rejected the idea.But he believes it is important and life among other people, their interaction and joint survival.It is the society he considered the most important part, since learning to live in society, a person could sow the seeds of good in the world.That is why this famous scientists believe that people need rules that would solve the problem of communication.Man had become so accustomed to these rules so that they become a part of him.It was then that he could become a perfect being.
Confucianism: basic ideas
Confucianism as a religion and has some basic principles.For example, it considers the so-called doctrine of the ideal man.That such a state should strive to every inhabitant of the planet.
ideal man should have five major virtue, which were to be for the people as natural as breathing.First I read the virtue that a man must always be in harmony with other people.It was believed that good lies in every newborn person, so you need only to develop it.Simply put, here focused on self-control, the absence of any negative emotions towards other people.
second rule applies to rules of etiquette.The ideal man must necessarily know all the rituals, rules of etiquette, and not to abandon them.Interestingly, the doctrine does not impose forced people to follow these rules.The man himself had to understand their importance and meaning.
The third rule is that a person must have to be educated.That is why the philosophy, history, civics, literature and art - that is what should have been free to hold the perfect man.Only educated people are able to understand the truth as knowledge train the mind, expanding its borders.
fourth Virtue refers to the state of the human spirit.Confucianism as a religion meant that every human being should have to work out is a condition where it could be in harmony with yourself and the people around them.
When you reach the last four of the rules, people can purchase passes to the fifth main virtues.This meant that all the rules have become so commonplace that people are not forced to follow the rules themselves - they are in his blood, and his behavior is embedded in the subconscious.Reaching such a state, a person finally able to create and spread the good.
It is worth noting also the Chinese people's great respect for ancestors and parents.Confucianism as a religion required a blind love, respect and obedience to parents, even after their death.That is why the children were brought up quite strictly and about any disobedience to his father or mother is not out of the question.It was believed that parents and ancestors - is a source of wisdom, and they know much better what is good for their child.
Confucianism was not considered universal teachings of Confucius to do with life or after his death.It was only many years later, the rules described in the works of this scientist, gained great importance, not only for China but also for Japan.
