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 teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 BC),during a time that was later referred to as the Hundred Schools of Thought era. Confucius considered himself a transmitter of cultural values inherited from the Xia (c. 2070–1600 BC),Shang (c. 1600–1046 BC),and Western Zhou (c. 1046–771 BC) dynasties. Confucianism was suppressed during the Legalist and autocratic Qin dynasty (221–206 BC),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.
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. Metaphors are usually meant to create a likeness or an analogy.
George Philip Lakoff is an American cognitive linguist and philosopher,best known for his thesis that people's lives are significantly influenced by the conceptual metaphors they use to explain complex phenomena.
In cognitive linguistics,conceptual metaphor,or cognitive metaphor,refers to the understanding of one idea,or conceptual domain,in terms of another. An example of this is the understanding of quantity in terms of directionality or the understanding of time in terms of money.
Cognitive linguistics is an interdisciplinary branch of linguistics,combining knowledge and research from cognitive science,cognitive psychology,neuropsychology and linguistics. Models and theoretical accounts of cognitive linguistics are considered as psychologically real,and research in cognitive linguistics aims to help understand cognition in general and is seen as a road into the human mind.
The Analects,also known as the Sayings of Confucius,is an ancient Chinese philosophical text composed of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius and his contemporaries,traditionally believed to have been compiled by his followers.
Wu wei is a polymorphic,ancient Chinese concept expressing an ideal practice of "inaction","inexertion" or "effortless action",as a state of personal harmony and free-flowing,spontaneous creative manifestation. Connected with the idea of the Heart or Spirit in Traditional Chinese medicine,it often relates to the behavior of the emperor,most commonly referring to an ideal form of governance or government.
The Eastern religions are the religions which originated in East,South and Southeast Asia and thus have dissimilarities with Western,African and Iranian religions. Eastern religions include:
Mark Turner is a cognitive scientist,linguist,and author. He is Institute Professor and Professor of Cognitive Science at Case Western Reserve University. He has won an Anneliese Maier Research Prize from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2015) and a Grand Prix from the French Academy (1996) for his work in these fields. Turner and Gilles Fauconnier founded the theory of conceptual blending,presented in textbooks and encyclopedias. Turner is also the director of the Cognitive Science Network (CSN) and co-director of the Distributed Little Red Hen Lab.
In the study of comparative religion,the East Asian religions or Taoic religions,form a subset of the Eastern religions,who originated in East Asia.
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.
Brian Bruya is a professor of philosophy at Eastern Michigan University,and an author of books and articles in the fields of comparative philosophy,cognitive science,and educational psychology. Bruya is known for his work in the study of "effortless attention",and showing that it is possible to foster wisdom in a formal educational setting. He is also a translator and has published translations of a number of popular comic books on Chinese philosophy,which have been featured in The New York Times.
