Confucianism has influenced the Chinese culture for over two millennia. Its influence has spread to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Confucianism is a way of life taught by Confucius in the 5th to 6th century B.C. I am going to discuss in detail the life of Confucius, Confucianism, and about the beliefs of Confucians.
Confucius was born in 551 B.C. in a small feudal state called Lu, which is now known as Shautung Province. He served in minor government positions managing stables and keeping books for granaries until he married at the age of nineteen. Confucius was a master of the six arts including ritual, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and arithmetic. He also had familiarity with the classic traditions, notably poetry and history. These fine accomplishments enabled him to start a brilliant teaching career in his 30's. Confucius wanted to put his developed understanding of education, society, and government into a political career; however, his loyalty to the king alienated him from the power holders at the time.
Ching Chung Koon Temple
The Classic of Rites was one of the Five Classics ...
The Classic of Rites was one of the Five Classics ...His moral rectitude did not sit well with the kings inner circle either. At the age of 56, Confucius left the country in attempt to find another feudal state that he could render his services to. He was accompanied by an expanding circle of students during his self-imposed exile of almost 12 years. His reputation as a man of vision and mission spread. Once he returned at the age of 67 he taught and preserved his cherished classical tradition by writing and editing. Confucius died in 479 B.C. at the age of 73 and his beliefs continued to last.
Confucianism was not directly founded by Confucius, but rather a group of men continued his teachings and named it Confucianism after him. Confucius had a string desire to understand why certain...