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Religions
Confucianism
Confucianism (Rujiao)
Confucianism (Rujiao)
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Confucianism is an ethical and philosophical tradition from ancient China, founded by Confucius (Kongzi, 551–479 BCE). It shaped Chinese civilization for over 2,500 years and remains influential in East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Vietnam).
Confucianism is not a religion in the typical sense — there is no god to worship, no afterlife focus, no ritual of worship directed at a deity. Rather, it is an ethical teaching — a guide to living a good life, a proper social order, and personal self-cultivation.
Confucius taught:
The goal of Confucian life is to become a junzi (gentleman/ noble person) — one who has cultivated virtue and lives in harmony with others and with heaven (Tian).
The Five Relationships
Confucius taught that society depends on five key relationships:
Each relationship involves specific duties and expectations. The model is the family, extended to the state.
Self-Cultivation
Confucianism emphasizes personal self-cultivation through:
The Classical Texts
The Confucian canon (Four Books and Five Classics):
The Five Classics (Shujing, etc.) include historical texts, poetry, and ritual manuals.
Ren (Humaneness)
Ren is the supreme Confucian virtue:
Filial Piety (Xiao)
Filial piety — respect and care for parents — is the foundation of Confucian ethics:
Li (Ritual/Propriety)
Proper ritual behavior expresses respect and maintains social harmony:
The Junzi (Gentleman)
The ideal Confucian person:
Ancestor Worship
Confucian practice includes honoring ancestors:
This is not worship of gods but respect for those who came before.
Self-Cultivation Practices
Confucius taught daily reflection: "Every day I examine myself on three counts: whether I have been trustworthy in dealings with others, whether I have been faithful to my teachers' teachings, and whether I have practiced what I preach."
Social Harmony
Confucianism emphasizes:
Daily Reflection: Confucius taught daily self-examination. Try asking: "Did I act with integrity today? Did I keep my commitments? Did I treat others with respect?"
Filial Respect: Honor those who have supported you — parents, teachers, mentors. A simple thank-you or act of service expresses this Confucian virtue.
Study: Confucius emphasized learning. Spend 10 minutes today reading something that develops your understanding — a classic text, a new subject, a skill.
Neo-Confucianism
After Confucius, Confucianism developed through various phases:
Confucianism in Modern China
Confucianism faced attack during the 20th century (Cultural Revolution, 1966–1976), when it was criticized as feudal and backward. Since the 1980s, there has been renewed interest in Confucianism as a source of ethical values and cultural identity.
Confucianism in East Asia
Confucian values remain strong in:
Contemporary Relevance
Confucianism offers resources for:
DivineLens presents perspectives from within this tradition, curated for authenticity. For personal spiritual direction, advanced study, or questions about tradition-specific practice, we recommend finding a qualified teacher in Confucianism. Our Advisory Council reviews all content for theological accuracy.
Recommended reviewers: A Confucian scholar, a historian of Chinese thought, and a scholar of East Asian ethics.