Confucianism (500î.en - present)

Confucianism is a religion, with approximately 6,000,000 followers (mostly in China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan), founded by the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-479 BC), which is concerned with principles of good conduct, practical wisdom, and social relationships. Confucius had no intention to found a new religion, but to interpret and revive religion Zhou Dynasty, with its rituals, which he interpreted them do not like people made sacrifices to receive forgiveness from the gods, but like ceremonies of people and embodies models of civilized behavior, gathered over several generations. They meant to pit Confucius Chinese society. Confucius, whose Chinese name was Kung Fu Tzu, was born in the state of Lu, in the year 551 BC in an aristocratic family who had lost his wealth and position. About his father, who died when Confucius was 3 years old, was said to be a powerful warrior. Confucius was the youngest of 11 children, living in poverty, but education was healthy. In his youth he was a teacher, but aspired to a government position, as have full confidence in his ability to reorganize society. He spent much of his life traveling through China, giving advice leaders. It was one of those philosophers who aspired to save a country, by the advice they gave. Unlike others who have found their way into knowledge, Confucius was inspired by the past, you try to turn it into reality. It says a traditionalist, not a creator of new, but a lover of old. The last years of his life were spent in his hometown, where he devoted himself entirely preaching his teachings. Is a collection of teachings Analects of Confucius, his disciples kept considered only which can be attributed to Confucius sure. Confucianism is one of the most influential philosophical traditions in the world, with deep insights into human nature. Although Confucianism became the official ideology of the Chinese state, there was never established religion, churches and priests. Chinese scientists honored him as a great sage Confucius, but without the worship as a god. In turn, Confucius never claimed to be a deity. In Confucianism, man is the center of the universe, he can not live in isolation, but in the community. The purpose of life is to achieve individual happiness that can be achieved through peace. Confucius found that people between 5-course set fundamental relationships based on love and duty, which could be improved if each of those involved and would bring contribution: ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, brother -frate, friend-friend. Confucianism is pure humanism, a philosophy that is concerned with human beings, their interests and achievements rather than abstract or theological issues. He is not so much a religion as a moral code, which greatly influenced the thinking and lifestyle of Chinese. The fundamental principles of this thinking are: obedience and respect for superiors and parents duty to family, loyalty fate of friends, humility, honesty and politeness. Today, confuciansmul is often confused with Taoism. It is very difficult to distinguish between what is and what belongs Confucianism Taoist element, since both have similar ideas about man, society, leaders, sky and universe. Confucianism deals with the practical aspect and the earth, while Taoism takes care of the esoteric and heavenly. Both beliefs are rooted in the thinking of two Chinese philosophers. Confucius and Lao Tzu, founder of Taoism, were contemporaries, and is known in both traditions, they had a few dialogues.