Confucius's Reflection Of Chinese Philosophy

Confucius comes to mind at the mention of Chinese philosophy. Confucius (777BC – 476BC) lived during the Warring States period when the great Zhou Dynasty had broken down and the country divided among rival factions. He travelled around China and taught history, music and moral character which he believed to be the best practise for a ‘moral community’. He wanted to restore order and harmony to society at large. His teachings somehow attracted a large audience of students and followers. ‘The Analects’ (Lunyu), a collection of his sayings and teaching were recorded by his students after his passing. ‘The Analects’ does not focus on religion although it relates to practises of ‘god’ and ‘religion’ to a certain extent.

Confucius knew that moral values can only be instilled through education and so he devoted himself to teaching the virtues of creating gentlemen who carry themselves with grace, speak correctly, respectful, helpful and demonstrate integrity and character in all things; the ‘Chun Tzu’ (the ‘Perfect or Ideal” person). The ‘Chun Tzu’ needs to have basic moral and character values, to be benevolent, to be wise and to be courageous. and it is when a ‘Chun Tzu’ becomes a role model, others can emulate and influence another till the entire world in cultivated to become virtuous:

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Children must obey their parents when they are young, care for them when they are old, mourn for their loss and make sacrifices in their memory after death. This was above all other duties even loyalty to the state. Children should listen and look after their parents. They must respect their parents and ancestors and must not be far away from them when they are old.

In the Doctrine of Mean, he also emphasises that one should not strive for excess and live in moderation and value compromise. He tries to establish a more structured society to keep the peace and