CONFUCIANISM

Narrator: Confucianism is humanism- a belief that human beings are teachable, improvable and perfectible
through personal and communal endeavor especially including self-cultivation and self-creation, a philosophy
or attitude that is concerned with human beings, their achievements and interest, rather than with the
abstract beings and problems of theology.

Narrator: But who is the man behind Confucianism? [PAUSE]

Narrotor Around 551 BC in China in the state of Lu, a boy named Confucius was born. Little did his parents
know that this boys would become a philosopher, teacher and a deity.[PAUSE] According to Tradition, he
began government service aged 32 and served many roles. Including Minister of Crime under Duke Ding in
the state of Lu. However, when Confucius was 56, he and the Duke fell out over the Duke’s excesses, after
the duke received a present from a neighboring ruler; women and horses. [DANCING GIRLS SCENE]

Narrator: The duke spent all his times with these women which Confucius found improper for a ruler [PAUSE]
so Confucius left the court and wandered for years. [PAUSE] Around the second century BC, Confucius’ works
were collected into the Analects (Lunyu), a collection of sayings written down by his folloers. Later on
Confucius became the China’s most famous philosopher and is best known for his writings and teachings on
Chinese society, culture and everyday life. His impact on Chinese culture has been so profound that some
2,500 years later his teachings are still well known and well respected.

CONFUCIAN ETHICS: The basis of ethical thought in Confucianism

Ren (Benevolence): Generally means human heartedness. Ultimate foundation of Confucianism “the essence
of all cirtues and the ground of human dignity”. Can be interpreted as both Golden and Silver rule: Loving
others and consciousness of human others. Ren, being the most fundamental virtue needs both Zhang and
Shu for it’s practice

Zhang (Loyalty and Consciousness) embodies the positive practice or the Golden Rule of Ren WICH IS “Do not
impose on others what you do not wish for yourself”

Shu (Reciprocity and altruism) In the modern chinese, It is often interpreted as forgiveness.

Xiao (filial peity) The cardinal virtue of the Confucian virtues. “It is an attitude of respect and concern toward
parents and superiors” Cildren should show love, devotion and respect to their parents. Family is the training
ground for the development of Xiao, since all moral teachings should first be practiced in the family.

LI (Propriety) Sets the “form of moral life” and the “proper ritual of a civilized life”

Yi, literally "justice, righteousness; meaning," is an important concept in Confucianism. It involves a moral
disposition to do good, and also the intuition and sensibility to do so competently.

NARRATOR: Politically speaking, it is fair to say that Confucians searched for political order but it’s attainment
should be through moral principles rather than hard power and force.

AND THAT IS WHAT CONFUCIANISM IS ALL ABOUT