CONFUCIANISM

The philosophical system founded on the teaching of Confucius (551 479 B.C.), dominated
Chinese socio-political life for most of Chinese history and largely influenced the cultures of Korea,
Japan, and Indochina. The Confucian school functioned as a recruiting ground for government positions,
which were filled by those scoring highest on examinations in the Confucian classics. It also blended with
popular and imported religions and became the vehicle for articulating Chinese moresto the peasants.
The schools doctrine supported political authority using the theory of the mandate of heaven. It sought
to help the rulers maintain domestic order, preserve tradition, and maintain a constant standard of
living for the taxpaying peasants. It trained its adherents in benevolence, traditional rituals, filial piety,
loyalty, respect for superiors and for the aged, and principled flexibility in advising rulers.

Confucianism combines a political theory and a theory of human nature to yield a dao (tao) a
prescriptive doctrine or way. The political theory starts with a doctrine of political authority based on
the mandate of heaven. The legitimate ruler derives authority from heavens command. The ruler bears
responsibility for the well-being of the people and therefore for peace and order in the empire.
Confucian philosophy presupposes a view of human nature in which humans are essentially social
animals whose mode of social interaction is shaped by Ji (convention or ritual), which establishes value
distinctions and prescribes activities in response to those distinctions. Education in Ji or social rituals, is
based on the natural behavioral propensity to imitate models. Sages or superior people those who have
mastered the Ji are the models of behavior from which the mass of people learn. Ideally, the ruler
should himself be such a model and should appoint only those who are models of de (te, or virtue) to
positions of prominence. People are naturally inclined to emulate virtuous models; hence a hierarchy of
merit results in widespread natural moral education.

Then, with practice, all people can in principle be like the sages by acting in accordance with Ji
without conscious effort. At that point they have acquired ren (jen or humanity), the highest level of
moral development; their natural inclinations are all in harmony with dao (way). The world is at peace,
order abounds, and the harmony between the natural and the social sphere results in material well-
being for everyone. This is Confucius utopian vision which he regards as modeled on the practice of the
ancient sage kings.

II. Explain these famous Analects. Cite examples and/or experiences to further expound the topic.

1. If the will be set on virtue, there will be no practice of wickedness.

-This line under The Analects on Chapter 4 constitutes to a lot of meaning in the reality of life. First, we
are going to define what is will. In the Chapter 2 of the Analects which focuses on self-development; it is
said that the will is a purpose being rectified and they cultivated themselves. Upon this great learning,
we can generalize that when there is no conflict of aims, duties and desires, when one wills what he
wishes with all his heart and soul then there is no possibility that all his wishes would possibly come true.
We have to set a target. We have to set our goals and aims in life and focus on it. You alone are the will,
your will is your purpose, and your purpose is your desire and eagerness to achieve all the goals that you
have set. Thus, Confucious puts on the line “If the will be set on virtue, there will be no practice of
wickedness” and that is very true. For when will be set on good purpose, based upon purified desire, born
of wisdom and broad knowledge then no one can undermine it.
2. Riches and honor are what men desire. If it cannot be obtained in the proper way, they should not be
held. Poverty and meanness are what men dislike. It cannot be obtained in the proper way, they should
not be avoided.

- If a superior man abandons virtue then how can he fulfill his duty bearing his name? Because he is
superior, he should not forget that being virtuous is above all the best asset a man can have despite not
having riches despite not having an honor to display in meanness desires. When a person gets into
popularity or higher position, he should think of how he started. The limelight will never last all of us will
turn into ash. I would like to give you an example. During this pandemic, the government is doing their
very best to protect the people however there are also people in the government who are merely taking
advantage of this pandemic. There are people who are in one way or another are striving hard day by
day waiting for the government’s aid to come as promised but failed in their hopes not because they give
up but because there are people who are the crocodiles of the masses stepped over and led their way to
a glimmering light. Those in the lower class suffered and those superiors enjoyed a lot. Where are the
taxes? Shouted some. It is the bloodline of the government. They can easily obtain it but the poor are
suffering from their improper way of getting what they want.

3. If a man in the morning hear the right way, he may die in the evening without regret.

- Regret- six letter word with a very deep cut. Why do people always regret at the end? There is a famous
Bisaya line that states “Wala’y mahay nga mag una.” Exactly, if earlier in your life you have learned then
there is no regret only lessons to be shared. Sometimes, our wrong decisions will turn to regrets but later
turn into lessons that need to be shared for others to inspire. I will share to you a story of a woman in the
name of Angelica. She came from a poor family and strived hard to be a successful woman. She left her
family to have her own. There was chaos and conflict with her family because they don’t want her to get
married at ab early age. Angelica being a hardheaded girl marry the man of her dreams as she said
forgetting her family who used to run on her blood. Years passed and Angelica discovered that her
marriage is on its failure. She went home to her family and they welcomed her without any grudges but
acceptance and pure love. There was regret of not listening prior to her marriage but there were lessons
learned that whatever may happen your family will always be your home. Regret means second chance,
second chance means lesson, and lesson means moving on.

4. When we see men of worth, we should think of equalling them, when we see men of contrary
character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

- In this cycle of life both men and women are created equal and unique. There are things that man can
do which a woman cannot and vice versa. It is just in ourselves how we handle to become a person of
good character. It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman because kindness will never have its owns
gender. We have to accept our selves for who we are and not for who they want us to be.

5. The cautious seldom err.

- Cautious comes from a Latin word “cautus” which means “careful” or “heedful”. To err is human, to
forgive is Divine. As humans, we have to be extra careful in everything that we do. We have to be careful
in actions, in words, and in thoughts. We practiced caution to minimize errors but to what extent? Are
we doing that because there are eyes that awaits us if we get failed? There goes a saying “Opportunity
passes like a cloud”. You don’t need to grab that opportunity without studying its details. Studying these
details are part of being cautious. You have to understand its pros and cons before digging into decision
that may change your life. In this pandemic, everyone is very careful. The government has given lots of
orders and mandates so that people will never be contracted with this COVID19. However, there are also
people who are just relax. On wrong move, and you being cautious will put your life into risk. There were
debates of steam inhalation or tuob. Some disagreed. Prevention is better than cure. Being cautious will
never lead you to wrong destination.

6. Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

- Be kind even if others are not. Then that is the time you will acquire peace and humanity. Being
virtuous is being kind not just in words and thoughts but also in actions. Always remember the words of
the Lord that you are here in this world for a reason and it is up to you how to live it to be like him or not.
You do not need to show it off in social media. Those you helped will pray for you and your family. Then
you will have good relationship with the people around you.

7. I am not concerned that I am not known, but I seek to be worthy to be known.

- The limelight sometimes leads us to a different path. You don’t need to be famous to be known or to
inspire others because God knows what is inside of your heart. You do not need to show off for you to be
known because in the eyes of the Lord you are worthy enough. It is the same with love and confidence.
You cannot love somebody if you cannot love yourself. Love yourself and accept yourself for being who
you are, and you will become worthy of loving somebody. Your confidence in loving yourself and
confidence in believing in yourself will be your best armor. You may not be good to other people’s eyes
but always remember that you being unique is what makes you worthy to be known.