Though classified as a religion, Confucianism is not just a set of spiritual
principles, but also a complex set of rules for behavior. It places great
importance on propriety, morality and respect in relationships with others,
ideas that influences Chinese culture on both a societal and personal level.
Doctrine of the Mean
While Confucius’ teachings formed the basis of Confucianism, the writings of
his disciples have been equally influential in shaping the religion. One of
these writings, the Doctrine of the Mean, is usually credited to Confucius’
grandson Zi Si, and is one of the religion’s most important documents. The
principles of the Doctrine of the Mean helped establish Confucianism’s moral
and ethical guidelines.
According to the Doctrine of the Mean, the Way of Heaven, which dominates
throughout the universe, is also the basis of humankind’s moral nature. Because
our nature was given to us by Heaven, if we develop it in ourselves and help
others develop it, we can connect with Heaven and be a part of the
transformation carried on by Heaven and Earth.
Filial Piety
For some religions, the focus is on achieving spiritual enlightenment, but
in Confucianism, the primary concern is living an ideal moral life while on
earth. Key to this ideal life is filial piety, or respect for parents and
elders. This respect should also be applied to relationships outside the family
circle, Confucius taught. Filial piety is a moral virtue that dominates every
aspect of a person’s life, from how they treat their parents to how they spend
their leisure time.
Confucius described the ideal moral life as the life of humaneness, or ren,
which means exhibiting one’s innate goodness in personal relationships. The
life of humaneness, Confucius taught, is built on filial piety. In
Confucianism, the family is seen as a model for all social relationships, and
so children who respect their parents will be good citizens, and leaders who
are good parents will be fair rulers. Filial piety is so central to Chinese
thought that being “unfilial” is considered one of the greatest crimes that can
be committed. In traditional China,
being unfilial could be punished by death.
Filial piety involves more than showing respect for elders on a day-to-day
basis; it also includes continuing the family line by marrying and having
children. But more importantly, it requires doing nothing to bring shame or
danger to the family. Children should never engage in illegal or immoral
behavior, because it would dishonor not only themselves, but their entire
family. And, they should avoid anything dangerous, because if a child is
injured or killed, the parents are deprived of offspring who would otherwise
have children and continue the family line. Even injury is considered shaming
the parents, because they have given the child’s body to him in a state of
wholeness; by allowing himself to be injured, he is dishonoring his parents.