Confucianism,also known as Ruism or Ru classicism,is a system of thought and behavior originating in ancient China,and is variously described as a tradition,philosophy,religion,theory of government,or way of life. Confucianism developed from what was later called the Hundred Schools of Thought from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 BCE). Confucius considered himself a transmitter of cultural values inherited from the Xia (c. 2070–1600 BCE),Shang (c. 1600–1046 BCE) and Western Zhou dynasties (c. 1046–771 BCE). Confucianism was suppressed during the Legalist and autocratic Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE),but survived. During the Han dynasty,Confucian approaches edged out the "proto-Taoist" Huang–Lao as the official ideology,while the emperors mixed both with the realist techniques of Legalism.
Kong Fuzi,commonly Latinized as Confucius,was a Chinese philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period who is traditionally considered the paragon of Chinese sages. Confucius's teachings and philosophy underpin East Asian culture and society,remaining influential across China and East Asia to this day. His philosophical teachings,called Confucianism,emphasized personal and governmental morality,correctness of social relationships,justice,kindness,and sincerity.
A metaphor is a figure of speech that,for rhetorical effect,directly refers to one thing by mentioning another. It may provide clarity or identify hidden similarities between two different ideas.
Humanities are academic disciplines that study aspects of human society and culture. In the Renaissance,the term contrasted with divinity and referred to what is now called classics,the main area of secular study in universities at the time. Today,the humanities are more frequently defined as any fields of study outside of natural sciences,social sciences,formal sciences,and applied sciences. They use methods that are primarily critical,or speculative,and have a significant historical element—as distinguished from the mainly empirical approaches of the natural sciences.
The Analects,also known as the Analects of Confucius,the Sayings of Confucius,or the Lun Yu,is an ancient Chinese book composed of a large collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his contemporaries,traditionally believed to have been compiled and written by Confucius's followers. It is believed to have been written during the Warring States period,and it achieved its final form during the mid-Han dynasty. By the early Han dynasty the Analects was considered merely a "commentary" on the Five Classics,but the status of the Analects grew to be one of the central texts of Confucianism by the end of that dynasty.
Wu wei is an ancient Chinese concept literally meaning "inexertion","inaction",or "effortless action". Wu wei emerged in the Spring and Autumn period. With early literary examples in Confucianism,it is an important concept in Chinese statecraft and Taoism. It was most commonly used to refer to an ideal form of government,including the behavior of the emperor. Describing a state of personal harmony,free-flowing spontaneity and laissez-faire,it generally also more properly denotes a state of spirit or mind,and in Confucianism accords with conventional morality.
The Eastern religions are the religions which originated in East,South and Southeast Asia and thus have dissimilarities with Western,African and Iranian religions. This includes the East Asian religions such as Confucianism,Taoism,Chinese folk religion,Shinto,and Korean Shamanism;Indian religions such as Hinduism,Buddhism,Jainism,and Sikhism;and Southeast Asian religions such as Vietnamese folk religion as well as animistic indigenous religions.
Klaus K. Klostermaier is a Catholic priest and scholar of Hinduism,Indian history and culture.
In the study of comparative religion,the East Asian religions or Taoic religions,form a subset of the Eastern religions. This group includes Chinese religion overall,which further includes Ancestral Worship,Chinese folk religion,Confucianism,Taoism and popular salvationist organisations,as well as elements drawn from Mahayana Buddhism that form the core of Chinese and East Asian Buddhism at large. The group also includes Japanese Shinto,Tenrikyo,and Korean Muism,all of which combine Shamanistic elements and indigenous ancestral worship with various influences from Chinese religions. Chinese salvationist religions have influenced the rise of Japanese new religions such Tenriism and Korean Jeungsanism;as these new religious movements draw upon indigenous traditions but are heavily influenced by Chinese philosophy and theology.
Andrew Newberg is an American neuroscientist who is a professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences and the director of research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital,previously an adjunct professor of religious studies and a lecturer in psychology in the Biological Basis of Behavior Program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Christian Konrad Wedemeyer is an American scholar and political and social activist.
Yan Hui was a Chinese philosopher. He was the favorite disciple of Confucius and one of the most revered figures of Confucianism. He is venerated in Confucian temples as one of the Four Sages.
Ran Yong,also known by his courtesy name Zhonggong,was one of the prominent disciples of Confucius. Confucius thought highly of his excellent moral conduct,and considered him fit to be the ruler of a state. After completing school,he served as chief officer of Jisun,the noble clan that dominated the politics of Lu.
Ran Qiu,also known by his courtesy name Ziyou and as Ran You,was a leading disciple of Confucius. Among Confucius's disciples,he was the foremost in terms of ability and accomplishment in statesmanship. As a military commander of the State of Lu,he repelled an invasion from the neighbouring State of Qi. His influence in Lu facilitated the return of Confucius to his native state after fourteen years of exile.
Duanmu Ci,also known by his courtesy name Zigong,was a Chinese businessman,philosopher,and politician. He was one of the most important and loyal disciples of Confucius. Among Confucius' students,he was the second best at speech,after only Zai Yu. He was a prominent diplomat of the Spring and Autumn period who served as a high official in several states,and was a very wealthy businessman.
Nangong Kuo,commonly known as Nan Rong and also known by his courtesy name Zirong and as Nangong Tao,was a major disciple of Confucius. Commending Nangong Kuo as a gentleman of virtue,Confucius gave the student his niece in marriage.
Fu Buqi,also pronounced Mi Buqi,was a major disciple of Confucius. He was also known by his courtesy name Zijian. He was known as a capable governor and was also a writer.
Gongye Chang,courtesy name Zichang,was a major disciple and the son-in-law of Confucius. Little is known about his life,but Chinese legends attribute to him the ability to understand birds' language.
Qidiao Kai,courtesy name Zikai or Ziruo,was a major disciple of Confucius. He declined to take government office,but started his own school,which developed into one of the eight branches of Confucianism identified by Han Fei. His work,known as the Qidiaozi,has been lost.
Gongbo Liao,courtesy name Zizhou,was a disciple of Confucius. He was born in the State of Lu,Confucius' native state. His years of birth and death are unknown.
