1. Confucianism
Jamey Burson
Honors 1010

2. Confucius Born into the poor K’ung family in the state of Lu.
Was orphaned early in life and was very fond of learning in his youth
Left home in search of work as an advisor for feudal lords (rich people of high rank)
- never successful in gaining position where he could share his ideas, so he devoted his life to teaching

3. Decree of Heaven vs. destiny
- moral guideline for governing authorities, because “Heaven” cares greatly about the well being of the common people
- Heaven only supported someone, not just an emperor, if they acted morally toward others to help create human well being.
- Ultimate perfection is achieved only when you act with total benevolence (desire to do good to others)

4. Decree of Heaven vs. Destiny
- Human effort has no control/effect on one’s position in life as it relates to wealth, social status, or longevity…all are predetermined
- absolutely nothing you do can change your destiny!
Whereas the Decree of Heaven can be understood and acted upon by freewill, destiny is not comprehensible and cannot be changed.
- The material is pointless because it’s not up to you. Devote your life to the Decree of Heaven.

5. Sages Sages are perfect beings, who perfectly display benevolence
- their outward benevolence is an expression of their inner state/heart for others…they love with actions rather than words
- what the sages do naturally becomes a model for followers of Confucius
Classics
- authoritative books of Confucianism
-describe the way of the sages…which are known as the Rites

6. Sages
Followers of Confucianism study the Rites and model their lives after Sages
- Sage and follower may have same outward appearance (both acting out Rites/ benevolence, but their internal motives are different
a. sages act benevolent because it’s who they are
b. followers act benevolent because it is who they wish to become
- Goal of a follower is to achieve a state where perfect moral action becomes natural and spontaneous

7. Ren and Li Li - designed to teach individuals how to act well
- Refers to the Rites, or the principles or ways by which Sages live. Ritually correct behavior
- designed to teach individuals how to act well
- observing the Rites through overcoming self will bring benevolence/moral perfection
- you learn the Rites through the studying of the Classics

8. Ren and Li Ren - not a concept that is learned. It is innate.
- Ren has been translated as "benevolence", "perfect virtue", "goodness" or even "human-heartedness". When asked, Confucius defined it by the ordinary Chinese word for love, ai, saying that it meant to "love others".
- Has a Government Aspect
a. If a ruler lack Ren, it will be difficult for his people to behave humanely. An inhumane ruler runs the risk of losing the decree of heaven.

9. 5 Rules of Relationship
The way social positions ought to be lived out in order to achieve peace and well being
1. Father and Son- (Father loving, son reverent)
2. Elder brother and younger brother- (elder gentle, younger respectful)
3. Husband and Wife- (Husband good/kind, wife listening)
4. Older friend and younger friend- (older considerate, younger reverent) 5. Ruler and subject- (Benevolent, loyal)