What is Confucianism?

Confucianism, also known as Confucianism or Confucianism, is an ideological system based on "benevolence as the core" and "people are valued". Confucianism is referred to as Confucianism and is the most important traditional culture in China.

The nine core ideas: benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, trust, forgiveness, loyalty, filial piety and brotherhood have a profound impact on China.

The latest research results presented in "Tong Zi Wen Yi" published by the People's Publishing House believe that: the core of Confucianism, as far as individuals are concerned, is the "Five Elements" thought of benevolence, justice, etiquette, wisdom, saintliness and virtue;

As far as society is concerned, it is moral thought, that is, fraternity, welfare, fairness (covering "middle"), justice (covering "right"), honesty, trustworthiness, reform and innovation, civilization, harmony, democracy, and the rule of law etc., it is the cornerstone of our society’s core values.

1. Benevolence: benevolence. The theoretical core of Confucius' ideological system. It is the highest ideal and standard of Confucius' social politics, ethics and morality. It also reflects his philosophical views and has a profound influence on future generations. "'Benevolence treats people in an orderly and harmonious way' is the origin of Confucius' thought and the core of Confucianism."

Benevolence is reflected in politics by emphasizing "rule by virtue", which is the basic foundation of rule by virtue. The essence of the spirit is universal love for all and generosity to all. Confucius introduced benevolence into rituals and changed the traditional "rule by ritual" into "rule by virtue". He did not deny "rule by ritual". His "rule by virtue" is undoubtedly an improvement on "rule by ritual". Inheritance and transformation. Loving others is the essence and basic content of benevolence, and this kind of love extends to oneself and others, extending from close relatives to the general public.

2. Meaning: originally refers to "appropriate", that is, the behavior is suitable for "ritual". Confucius used "righteousness" as the moral principle to judge people's thoughts and behaviors. "Yi (friendship) is what people should like.

Duan Yucai's annotation in "Shuowen·Yanbu" says: 'Yi, righteousness, ancient and modern characters, meaning friendship in the Zhou Dynasty, and righteousness in the Han Dynasty. Both are now called benevolence and righteousness. "Righteousness includes the righteousness of a gentleman and the righteousness of a villain. The righteousness of a gentleman is for the greater self, while the righteousness of a villain is for the small self. The greater self is for the public and society; the small self is for forming groups and partial parties." "Brothers are loyal and loyal." (Chen Zhisui's "Zai Jing Tang Ji Min Shuo")

3. Rituals: the political and ethical categories of Confucius and Confucianism. In the long-term historical development, "rituals", as the moral norms and living standards of China's feudal society, played an important role in cultivating the spiritual quality of the Chinese nation. However, with the change and development of society, especially in the late feudal society, it became more and more important. It has increasingly become a rope that binds people's thoughts and behaviors, affecting the progress and development of society.

4. Wisdom: Same as "knowledge", the basic category of Confucius' epistemology and ethics. Refers to knowing, understanding, insight, knowledge, intelligence, wisdom, etc. The connotation mainly involves several aspects such as the nature of knowledge, the source of knowledge, the content of knowledge, and the effect of knowledge. Regarding the nature of knowledge, Confucius believed that knowledge is a moral category and a knowledge of human behavioral norms.

5. Honesty: Refers to the attitude of being honest and not deceiving in dealing with others, and consistent in words and deeds. It is one of the "Five Constants" of Confucianism. Confucius regarded "faith" as an important manifestation of "benevolence" and an essential virtue for a wise man. Anyone who is truthful in his speech and behavior can gain the trust of others. If those in power are trustworthy, the people will also treat them with true feelings. Treat each other without bullying.

In addition, there is forgiveness: do not do to others what you do not want others to do to you, which includes the meaning of forgiveness and tolerance.

6. Loyalty: If you want to establish yourself, you should establish others; if you want to achieve yourself, you should achieve others. Confucius believed that loyalty is reflected in loyalty and honesty in dealing with others.

7. Filial piety: Confucius believed that filial piety is the basis of benevolence. Filial piety is not limited to supporting parents, but should focus on respect for parents and elders. He believed that if there is a lack of filial piety, supporting parents will be regarded as the same. Keeping dogs is an act of disobedience. Confucius also believed that parents may have made mistakes, and children should politely advise them and strive to correct them, rather than obeying their parents absolutely. These ideas are the embodiment of ancient Chinese moral civilization.

However, when talking about filial piety, Confucius also said, "If your parents are here, don't travel far away" and "If you don't change your father's ways for three years, you can be called filial piety", which reflects the limitations of his era. Filial piety was regarded as a complicated ritual by later generations of Confucians. The "Book of Rites" stipulated that after the death of parents, "water slurry should not be taken into the mouth, and fire should not be raised for three days." "Weeping countless times" and even "physical illness and infirmity" have become mental and physical self-destruction.

In the Song and Ming dynasties, filial piety was regarded as one of the most important categories in moral theory, and the Neo-Confucian scholar Zhu Xi advocated the absoluteization of patriarchy. The concept of filial piety has evolved in different historical periods. In addition to promoting the dross of feudalism, there are also some reasonable factors that advocate children's "respect", "reverence" and "care for the elderly" towards their parents, combining filial piety with loyalty to the nation's interests. It is advocated that after death, the burial should be small and the funeral should be done sparingly.

8. Ti: refers to the love and respect for one’s elder brother. Confucius attached great importance to the moral character of brotherhood. According to his thoughts, his disciple Youruo called brotherhood and filial piety together and regarded them as "the foundation of benevolence."

Extended information:

A brief introduction to Confucianism:

Confucianism is the most influential school of thought in ancient China after Dong Zhongshu "exclusively respected Confucianism". As a manifestation of China's inherent value system, Confucianism is not an academic or school in the usual sense. Generally speaking, especially in the pre-Qin period, Confucianism was one of the most influential schools of thought. Together with Mohism, it is called Xianxue. During the reign of Qin Shihuang, the "burning of books and entrapment of Confucianism" was severely affected. During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, in order to maintain the autocratic rule, it "deposed hundreds of schools of thought and only respected Confucianism" after the ideological suppression was implemented.