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Welcome to the Confucian subpage! This is a part of the broader China ring. This page is also only accessible through said ring. Confucianism is technically more of an philosophical system with a moral code than a religion, but I grouped it under religion for simplicity.

Four Books and Five Classics

The Four Books and Five Classics are a collection of texts, books and more that are the most important texts in Confucianism. Where the Five Classics (Wǔjīng) are more ancient and traditionally believed to have been edited and complied by Confucius and his disciples, the Four Books were chosen by prominent Confucian thinker Zhu Xi during the 12th century Song Dynasty.

Five Classics

Yìjīng - Classic of Changes/I Ching, deals with the concept of yin and yang and how one can see the amount of yin or yang present with yarrow stalk (50 stems of yarrow, type of plant tied together)

Shūjīng - Classic of History, a complied collection of historical Chinese documents and speeches

Shījīng - Classic of Poetry, collection of ancient Chinese poetry, folk songs and hymns

Lǐjì - Classic/Book of Rites, descriptions of various rituals, etiquette and societal norms

Chūnqiū - Spring and Autumn Annals, historical chronical of Lu, Confucius' home state

Name

Confucianism is named after the philosophical thinker, Confucius or Kong Fuzi who lived from 551-479 B.C.E. He was born in China and his teachings became widespread through all of eastern Asia. The name Confucianism is westernized, as it doesn't have a direct Chinese equivalent. In Mandarin, there are three main names that can be translated to Confucianism in English, those being Rújiā (Philosphical school of the scholars), Rúxué (Teachings of the scholars) and Kǒngjiào (Teachings of Confucius).

Wood Clapper Bell

The wood clapper bell, or mù duó represents social order and is the (unofficial, though widely used) symbol of Confucianism. It was used by traveling officials during the Zhou dynasty to gather attention and make public announcements. See to your right the image for the mù duó

Basics

You could call Confucianism a theory about how Confucius thought people and society should behave and act with one another. Confucianism (in China) is seen as a way of life and a moral framework that forms part of the broader Chinese culture.

Ren

Ren means humaneness, basically 'loving others' as Confucius put it. Ren means to have empathy for others and treat them with kindness. Ren is prominent in modern east Asian business culture, for example where the collective harmony is more important than one's individualistic needs.

Li

Li means proper conduct and etiquette. Basically what holds social order together. Li gives you a moral obligation to attend weddings, funerals, and other types of ceremonies. One of Confucius' points about ritual is that it should come from the heart. Li also promotes the use of honorifics especially for seniors in the workplace, scholars, elders to name a few.

Xiao

Xiao, or filial piety basically says that one should be devoted and obedient to their parents and ancestors. Xiao kind of sets you off for life, with obedience to your parents dictating your childhood, caring for parents in old age and honoring them after their deaths. Confucius sets the standard for virtuous filial piety only, though. Do not tolerate parental wrongdoing, e.g. unfairness or stubborness on the parent's side.

Though Confucius also said that if your parents refuse to listen to you, you should stay respectful and not disobey.