What is Confucianism - Essay Example

number: Confucianism Confucianism is a way of life for the Chinese people. Its origin s back to the 5th-6th century with the ideas of Confucius, who is considered the founder. It stresses on paying respect to one’s ancestors with aim of promoting social values, institutions and the traditions of the Chinese. Its values are related to those of human’s daily life; reminding its followers of the importance of friendship, parenthood and togetherness. According to Hidayat et al. (2014), Confucianism states that each society has certain roles and obligations that each of its individuals needs to understand and conform to.

Confucius, in his teachings, sought to improve the traditions and social life of humans. He emphasized on the ethics of conduct, which in his view is the ways of a superior man. He argues that such a man is honest, respectful and loyal to both his leaders and culture. The greatest of all, a superior man is considered humane towards his interaction with others. Hidayat at al. (2014) further explains that a society is organized in different relations: the government and its subjects, the family and the friendship aspect among others.

The guiding principle of Confucianism is humaneness, commonly referred to as ‘run’, which suggests an outstanding behavior in reference to the China ritual norms and virtues (Low and Patrick 2011, p.11-127). It is an element of optimistic nature of humans, which accords that human conditions are not permanent but are bound to changes. Confucianism also records that humans are capable of learning, improving and perfecting their lives which is typically Confucian. It then recognizes heaven and its influence towards human events.

Apart from its ethical principle, Confucianism has no definite ritual or practice to follow like other religions prevalent in China. It is mainly about interactions for the families, where members of the family show love, concern and the respect to each other (Low and Patrick 2011 p.111-113). Confucianism ideals are considered inspirational in that they aim at perfection. It is of the opinion that if individuals could realize their potential in creating best relations with others, they would attain perfection in their personality (Hidayat at al. 2014).Work citedHidayat, Samsul, and Farninda, A.

"Understanding Confucianism in West Kalimantan." AL ALBAB 3.1 (2014). Retrieved from http://www.bjrsjournal.org/index.php/BJRSJ/article/view/58 on 14th November 2014Low, Kim Cheng Patrick. "Confucianism versus Taoism." Conflict resolution & negotiation Journal 2011.4 (2011): 111-127.