Confucianism is the major religious influence throughout East Asia, particularly in China where it originated. The religion is based on the teachings of Kung Fu-tzu, whom Western missionaries later latinised to Confucius. Confucius was born in 551 BCE to an aristocratic family who were nonetheless quite poor due to his father’s death when he was three. However, Confucius received a good education and had a passion for study, later reflected in his teachings. Confucius had a noble and commanding personality while also being a man of an affectionate nature, sympathetic and most considerate towards others. He loved his disciples dearly, and, in turn, won their undying devotion. These followers (or more precisely, the second generation of these followers) recorded all Confucius’ teachings in the Analects and those who read it gain insight into the wisdom of Confucius. Confucianism has had a profound affect on the people of China and its beliefs and values have provided many a guide to moral living. It serves its followers as a foundation for the life of perfect goodness and

-Zhi (knowledge – in the sense of moral wisdom) and:

many aspire to lead a life in the noble and righteous way that Confucius did. He left instructions and teachings on every aspect of human living and aspired to create the perfect society both in government and throughout the community. Yet he knew that only way to achieve this was through the concept of chun-tzu.

The Master Said: “The gentleman has nine things to think about:

Furthermore, Confucius was not a hypocrite. He tried his hardest to exemplify all his virtues and teachings in his life while teaching through discussion and example. In fact the development of chun-tzu is evident in his own life. Confucius is recorded in the Analects as saying: “At 15 I set my heart on learning; at 30 I was firmly established; at 40 I had no more doubts; at 50 I knew the will of heaven; at 60 I was ready to listen to it; at 70 I could follow my heart’s desire without transgressing what was right.” Yet Confucius had a significant reason for his teachings and beliefs. At the time China was in an age of feudalistic hierarchy where nobility was determined by birth. More importantly the rulers of the nation were corrupt and dissolute. They made a show of their devotion to Heaven and their ancestors yet their personal lives contradicted their public beliefs. At one point in his life, Confucius accepted a minor government position yet he was soon ousted due to his moral and conservative ideals. Later on he was also an official tax collector and was keenly aware of the bribing and profiteering of the other officials. It was at this point in his life when Confucius realised how much the people suffered under the current system and resolved to stop it.

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