Confucianism and Spring & Autumn (春秋)

Confucius (KongZi) was born during the Spring and Autumn era of China (春秋). After the fall of the Zhou dynasty, China went into a stage of constant conflict. This period of also known as the 'Warring State' era (戰國). Though China was in a turmoil, Confucius believed that the essence humankind had been the ideals of the Zhou dynasty.

The Zhou dynasty focused on the 'Mandate of Heaven' and morality; therefore, the period was far less brutal compared to the Shang dynasty. Confucianism can be understood from five important aspect of life:

1. Ritual

2. Benevolent

3. Righteousness

4. Royalty

5. Faithfulness

Confucianism was not simply a religious belief, it lived on to be a way of life. These aspects still live on today and plays a major role in Chinese culture. For example, living the way of a 'Gentlemen' (君子). There are many aspects that a 君子 must hold such as being civilized, educated, and setting an example for others. In the Analects, 'Classified Teachings' of Confucianism, there is often a presence of humbleness such as it is 'better to be spare than extravagant...' (3.4). Besides humbleness, Confucianism also focuses on respecting elderly and youngsters.

In addition to loving others, respecting elderly is a heavy theme in Confucianism,  an aspect that is not as much present in Western culture. In Eastern culture, this aspect perhaps led to a more serious separation in social classes. A child's development begins with nurturing the 'natural' feelings of love and respect for its parents and elderly. Furthermore, the Analects often describes the relationship of father and son. The son would always consult with the father for words of wisdom.

What appealed to me the most is that Confucianism is still present in Chinese culture today. Growing up in a Chinese family, I noticed a lot of practices and beliefs are analogous to the ones describe in the Analects.