Confucianism

Directions: Read the text on Confucianism and using this information write a letter to Confucianism in which you summarize his beliefs and give your opinion of the five relationships

** History: ** === K'ung Fu Tzu, commonly written as Confucius in English) was born in 551 [|BCE] in the state of Lu (modern day Shantung Province in China). He lived during the Chou dynasty, an era known for its lack of morals. When he was 22 years of age, he opened a school. Success in teaching led to his appointment as minister of justice History: ===  After a conflict with the government, he left the state and wandered for 13 years throughout China, giving advice. He accumulated a small band of students during this time. He died about 479 BCE at the approximate age of 72. "His lifetime almost exactly coincided with that of Buddha, who died two years earlier at the age of eighty." **1** His writings deal primarily with individual morality and ethics, and the proper exercise of political power by the rulers.

Teachings:
Confucius taught that when societies operate under laws, people are punished by authorities after having committed illegal activities. People generally follow the laws, often without necessarily understanding them. He promoted a different way: to internalize behaviors so that actions are controlled beforehand. People then behave properly because they wish to avoid feeling shame. In theory, the result is a reduction in the number of laws required for a smooth functioning of the society.

** Two important beliefs: ** ** The Five Relationships: Confucius believed that society needed order to survive. The "five relationships" created a system of order to govern society. According to the Confucius some people must have control while other people must be controlled. ** ** The five relationships are: ** ** 1. Subject obeys ruler ** ** 2. Child obeys father ** ** 3. Wife obeys husband ** ** 4.Younger brother obeys older brother ** ** 5. Friend must respect friend **

Filial piety** : Loyalty to your family **