Fundamental Principals
Confucius believed that a person must live by these principles to be considered the ideal man or the perfect man.
- Li - having self-restraint, good manners, always acting in a honorable way, respecting elders, respecting ancestors, and family members. One should not be selfish in their acts. But still should have personal ambitions, aspirations, and at the same time should not be unjust to others while achieving them. While following social etiquette and mannerisms. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Hsiao - A love for your immediate family and then society. Parents loving their children and children loving their parents. With families happy and together, the society will prosper. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Yi - the principle of righteousness, upholding what is right above all else, and sacrificing yourself for it if needed. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Xin - be honest in life, with oneself, and with the people around you. Doing this will build trust and confidence among those you know. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Jen - This principle is the most important of all principles. Be kind and humane to all around you. Share and understand one another without being judgmental. Even if someone behaves badly with you, think about what has happened to them, and what is making them act like this. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Chung - loyalty to one's family and country. Doing this binds a country together. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Works Cited
- Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. (1995-2009).Confucianism: Beliefs, teachings, and relationships. Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/confuciu2.htm
- Peace. (2008, June 3). Principles of confucianism. Retrieved from http://www.peaceinspiration.com/2008/06/03/principles-of-confucianism/
- Pilgrim, G. (2011, September 21). Introduction to Confucianism and five relationships. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/introduction-to-confucianism-and-five-relationships.html
- ReligionFacts. (2002-2012). Confucianism: Beleifs. Retrieved from http://www.religionfacts.com/a-z-religion-index/confucianism.htm
- Scott, S. (n.d.). Confucianism: The tenets of confucianism. Retrieved from http://truthmagazine.com/archives/volume34/GOT034139.html
The fundamental principles of Confucianism sound strikingly similar to other religions or beliefs I am familiar with. If someone were to follow these principles without epically failing, they truly would be the perfect man! I really enjoy how Confucius really emphasizes the family. I know in today's culture, or in our society, the family units are easily broken down. These principles seem so simple and straight forward it's hard to believe they could be difficult. The principles seem to go hand-in-hand with each other. You can't have Yi, without Li, Xin, Hsiao, Jen, and Chung. I shall go meditate on what Confucius said...
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