Chinese Philosophy & Religious Traditions

1. Chinese Philosophy & Religious Traditions

2. Confucius 551 B.C. – 479 B.C.Kong Fu Zi or “Master Kong”Kong Qui (Family Name) Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. Confucius • Confucius is the most famous Chinese thinker and philosopher. • Considered to be China’s 1st professional teacher. • Confucius never wrote down his teachings. After his death, his students gathered a collection of his teachings and quotes. • The writings made up a philosophy, or a system of beliefs and values. • The philosophy became known as Confucianism (A Chinese philosophy based on the teachings of Confucius). • Confucius Goals: • Bring peace and order to China • Bring peace and order to Chinese society

3. Confucius • Confucius believed that if people could be taught to behave properly toward one another = order and peace. • What are we doing here at Cortina to promote order & peace? • Confucius believed people should respect the people above & below them and treat all people with respect. • Filial Piety – a family member’s duty to respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and elderly family members • 5 Human Relationships: • Ruler & Ruled • Father & Son • Husband & Wife • Older Brother & Younger Brother • Friend & Friend • What relationships do you NOT see listed that you would add? • Explain why you think each is an important relationship.

4. Confucius • Confucius felt his role was to pass on the forgotten teachings of wise people from the past. • Confucius lives during a period known as “Time of the Warring States” • Powerful rulers fought for control of land and power in China. • Mandate (authoritative command) • Focused on persuading rulers to reform. • What does reform mean? • Although Confucianism is NOT a religion, it did function as a religion for many people. • Hindus / Buddhists practices Confucianism as part of moral community. • Many Chinese practiced Confucianism alongside their religious traditions.

5. Confucius • The Impact of Confucius in Chinese Government Jobs: • Teachings had a MAJOR IMPACT on Chinese government. • They became the basic training for members of the civil service (groups of people who carry out the work of a government). • Candidates for government jobs had to pass civil service examinations based in the teachings of Confucius. • Candidates needed to know how to read. • Established a system of ethics on how to treat others. • Teachings were the basis of Chinese education. • Before Confucius’ teachings emerged, government jobs were given to the sons of the most important people. • Confucius would have been surprised at the impact he had on China, as he did not consider himself wise or good. Chinese taking the civil service exam.

6. Confucius • The Impact of Confucius in Chinese Government Jobs: • Teachings had a MAJOR IMPACT on Chinese government. • They became the basic training for members of the civil service (groups of people who carry out the work of a government). • Candidates for government jobs had to pass civil service examinations based in the teachings of Confucius. • Candidates needed to know how to read. • Established a system of ethics on how to treat others. • Teachings were the basis of Chinese education. • Before Confucius’ teachings emerged, government jobs were given to the sons of the most important people. • Confucius would have been surprised at the impact he had on China, as he did not consider himself wise or good. Chinese taking the civil service exam.

7. Confucius Statue NYC & Chinatown

8. The Great Wall of China • Video: • Brain Pop • Deconstructed – History Channel • Builders of China’s Great Wall – History Channel • History of the Great Wall – History Channel • http://www.cleanvideosearch.com/media/action/yt/watch?videoId=AYQ1hcpUedU&name=Discovering+China+-+Confucius&uploadUsername=ntdtv&hitCount=15149