Confucianism: Influential Faiths of the World - Essay Example

Introduction:
Confucianism vehemently maintains an unflinching belief in the afterlife and the concepts of reward and punishment entirely based upon man’s activities and behavior during his life on the earth. It is therefore the religion strongly preaches the observing of good social and moral behavior while interacting with the other members of society.

The Golden Rule:
Golden rule enjoys the status of pivotal point of Confucianism, as all the concepts and teachings of the faith revolve around the same. The rule emphasizes treating the other members of society in the same manner as one wishes to be treated by others. Moreover, one should not inflict pain and agony to others, which he does not like for himself or cannot forbear and endure the same. The same is also applied in the exchange of presents, where an inferior or sub-standard article should not be given to the other by preserving a superior one for oneself. Similarly, Confucianism prohibits man from inflicting any type of unpleasantness upon others by applying ill intentions, as the universal laws of retaliation may reciprocate the same to the wrong-doer. Consequently, the rule lays stress upon observing virtue, kindness, honesty, and integrity towards the fellow beings, and strictly forbids adopting of social evils like wickedness, fraud, cheating, lying, fornication, adultery, and deceit, etc at any cost, as such immoral and cruel actions not only invite difficulties and adversity in human life but also man will have to be responsible for such misdeeds in the life Hereinafter.

Major Notions:
Confucianism concentrates upon the best and intimate relationships between the family members, as peace and order in domestic life bring peace, prosperity, and progress to the entire social structure. (Yao, 2000: 32-33) The members of a caring and sacrificing family introduce the same traits, norms, and values in their society.

Confucianism has developed an unabated belief in the significance of knowledge, which is an essential element of spiritualism and turns out to be supporting in comprehending the laws and phenomena of the universe. The doctrine also lays stress upon learning spiritual and philosophical disciplines including mathematics, astronomy, logic, and others. It is seeking knowledge that encourages goodness in human thought and behavior and restricts evil practices. The Confucian doctrine Li, which literally means balance, is based upon three concepts, which include man’s responsibilities towards the Heaven or Supreme Being; his social and political obligations towards the state and its institutions; and nature of man’s activities and behavior while dealing with others. Hence, the first part of Li concentrates upon prayers, meditation, and sacrifices to be presented in the name of Heaven within some particular time period as well as on some specific day or occasion. Spiritualism should be sought by examining the lifestyle and behavior of the predecessor sages, philosophers, and spiritual leaders of society. The second part focuses on paying due heed to the political, social, and financial responsibilities by abiding by the statutes of law and prevailing social norms. The third part lays stress upon observing moral values during social interaction. Li also determines the modes of behavior in family and companionship, where the elders should display affection and kindness to the younger, while the younger should be respectful and comply towards the older. (Oriental philosophy)

The concept of Ren signifies the joy and pleasure man experiences while practicing goodness towards others. Confucianism believes that benevolence and virtuous deeds fill the human heart with countless joys, and one virtuous attribute also invites the other, i.e. generosity brings humility in humans, and they are benevolence towards others.
The notion Shu stands for reciprocity of behavior, where man should always behave others in the manner he expects others to behave with him. Confucianism believes good intentions and behavior bring happiness, while evil doing and evil thinking invite adversity in their wake. Hence, reciprocity is actually the rule of Nature, which rewards humans on observing benevolence, and punishes them for hurting and harming others in any manner. Similarly, Xiao also attributes to care, kindness, and sympathy, and it stresses practicing filial love towards family members on the basis of their age and relation. For instance, parents should be affectionate and prudent towards children, while children should be obedient and comply towards parents; the same is applied to elder and younger siblings, and husband and wife as well. Wen concentrates upon being wise, gentle, meek, amiable, and polite towards others, and lays stress upon helpful and supportive towards others at the hour of need. Hence, lending a helping hand and providing aid, charity and moral support is a great virtue according to the doctrine.

Yi stands for practicing righteousness, which simply means observing chastity, virtuousness, honesty, integrity, truthfulness, humility, and equality, by avoiding adultery, fraud, falsehood, pride, jealousy, and injustice.