History of Confucianism
Confucianism developed in the Zhou dynasty in the state of Lu in 500 B.C., and it was created by Confucius. Confucianism, in the beginning, was not supposed to be a new religion. Confucius started Confucianism in an attempt to restart an unnamed religion in ancient China in order to restore balance to the political rulers. During the Spring and Autumn period, the king decided that there was too much land for him to rule by himself. He distributed the remaining land to his relatives and distant relatives. As time passed, the relatives became too distant to be considered relatives. They became hostile, and state rulers fought constantly in an attempt to gain more land.
"If right principles prevailed through the empire, there would be no need for me to change its state," said Confucius . Therefore, Confucius created the rules for morality in order to create ideal rulers.
After Confucius died, two different followers influenced Confucianism. They were Mencius and Hsun-Tzu. The differences between these will be explained in the Core Values.
"If right principles prevailed through the empire, there would be no need for me to change its state," said Confucius . Therefore, Confucius created the rules for morality in order to create ideal rulers.
After Confucius died, two different followers influenced Confucianism. They were Mencius and Hsun-Tzu. The differences between these will be explained in the Core Values.
Despite the large number of followers, Confucianism weakened during the Chou dynasty along with Confucius' death. During the Qin Dynasty, the First Emperor adopted Legalism (the philosophy that relationships must be ruled by punishments and reward), which opposed Confucianism greatly. Confucian scholars were harshly persecuted. Confucian texts were burned, and many Confucian scholars were executed for their beliefs. The picture above exemplifies the persecution during the Qin Dynasty. However, Confucianism persevered through hardships and was revived in the Han Dynasty. It became the main philosophical thought style in China.
During the end of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Buddhism(an Indian religion) and Daoism(which focused on becoming one with nature) influenced Confucianism, and Neo-Confucianism was born. Neo-Confucianism became a major religion in Korea and Japan for years.
During the end of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Buddhism(an Indian religion) and Daoism(which focused on becoming one with nature) influenced Confucianism, and Neo-Confucianism was born. Neo-Confucianism became a major religion in Korea and Japan for years.