confucius

Who founded Confucianism?

Confucius (Kong Fuzi)

During which periods did the Hundred Schools of Thought emerge?

Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods

What was the goal of thinkers during the Hundred Schools of Thought?

To restore peace and harmony through moral teachings

Which were the four major schools of thought during this period?

Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism, and Legalism

Why is Confucianism considered both a philosophy and a religion?

Because it focuses on ethics and relationships, and includes rituals for moral harmony

Where was Confucius born?

Lu State (modern-day Shandong, China)

What was Confucius’ occupation?

He was a teacher and minor government official

How long did Confucius travel to teach virtue and moral order?

13 years

When did Confucius die?

479 B.C.E.

When is Teacher’s Day celebrated in honor of Confucius?

September 28

What is the Book of Changes (I Ching) about?

Divination and the nature of change

What is the Book of History (Shangshu) about?

Speeches and records of ancient rulers

What does the Book of Poetry (Shijing) contain?

305 poems about life, virtue, and rituals

What does the Classic of Rites (Li Ji) describe?

Ceremonies, social conduct, and moral behavior

What are the Spring and Autumn Annals?

Historical records of the State of Lu

What are the Analects (Lunyu)?

Sayings and teachings of Confucius and his disciples

What is the main goal of Confucian moral teaching?

To become a Junzi (gentleman) — a person of virtue and moral strength

What does “Ren” mean?

Benevolence or humaneness

What does “Yi” mean?

Righteousness or moral integrity

What does “Li” mean?

Propriety, manners, and correct behavior

What does “Zhi” mean?

Wisdom or moral insight

What does “Xin” mean?

Faithfulness or trustworthiness

What does “Tian” refer to in Confucianism?

Heaven or the moral order of the universe

What is the doctrine of Rectification of Names?

Everyone must fulfill their proper social role according to their position

According to Mencius, what is the nature of humans?

Good by nature

According to Xunzi, what is the nature of humans?

Evil but can be corrected through education and ritual

What are the Five Constants in Confucian ethics?

Ren, Yi, Li, Zhi, and Xin

What is Filial Piety (Xiao)?

Respect and devotion to parents and ancestors

What are the two souls in ancestor worship?

Hun (spirit) and Po (body)

How are ancestors honored in Confucian practice?

Through offerings, ancestral tablets, and cleaning graves

What festival celebrates ancestor worship?

Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day)

What are the Four Family Rites?

Coming of Age, Marriage, Mourning, and Sacrificial Rites

What is emphasized in the Marriage Ceremony?

Loyalty, virtue, and harmony between families

What color is worn during Mourning Rites?

White

What does Mozi’s Mohism teach?

Universal love, equality, peace, and utilitarianism

What did Mencius believe about rulers?

They should lead with virtue and benevolence

What is the key to harmony in Confucianism?

Virtue, respect, and order in relationships

What is the ultimate goal of a Confucian follower?

To become a Junzi who inspires others to live morally

What do rituals in Confucianism connect?

Humans, ancestors, and Heaven

What are the main pillars of Confucian life?

Harmony, virtue, duty, education, family loyalty, and respect