CONFUCIAN TEACHINGS

Confucian Teachings on Chinese Culture

Confucian Teachings on Chinese Culture

Introduction

Eminent educationist, philosopher and politician, Confucius is one of the great figures of the civilization of ancient China and feudal founder of the educational system. Practice as well as his thoughts on education exerted a considerable influence on the development of education both, in China and around the world. In antiquity, Confucius was considered the "first of the wise," and "model of ten thousand generations.” Today, we recognize in him one of the great figures of civilization. Its contribution to education and the remarkable role he played and sustainable in this area would provide a unique place in the national and international history not only in education, but also in the culture. In recent years, Confucius is the new mode, reverting to a subject of study and assessment of the relevance of his philosophy itself.

Throughout his life, Confucius had a passion for learning and teaching. He was a great Multi-talented scholar, and even in his lifetime, his reputation spread far and wide. Before him under the Zhou Dynasty, the studies were carried out in the administration which was led by officials. General education was the exclusive monopoly of the nobles, but it was denied to the people. Moreover, the notion of full time professional teacher was unknown. Education was to provide training to the noble, both civil and military study of the "six arts", which were rites, music, archery, chariot driving, calligraphy and mathematics.

Before Confucius education were reserved for the aristocracy. Only children of nobles had the right to an education. Confucius broke the monopoly of the aristocracy. He advocated to establish private schools, and formed the first private teacher in Chinese history more than 3000 students. More than 70 of his students were famous scholars.

Maintenance and Propagation of Confucian Teaching

According to Confucius, several schools were established for the maintenance and dissemination of his teachings. Of these, the two schools with Mencius and Xun Zi at the top were the most influential.

Mencius (ca. 372-289 BC) came from Zou (now Zouxian County, Shandong Province). His personal name was Ke. Like Confucius, Mencius, was also a tutor. On the basis of Confucius preached philanthropy and charitable activities, it was regarded as "humane policy" and condemned every form of tyranny. Especially in the Han period, his teaching was at a premium. His ideas are contained in the book of Mencius, which was during the Song Dynasty classified along with the book discussions in the classical works of the Confucian school.

Xun Zi (ca. 313-238 BC), also known as Xun Xun Qing Kuang, or came from the Zhao State denied a divine providence, railed against superstition and believed that man by nature is to be angry. He developed the ideas of Confucius regarding a "state administration by rites" and further pointed out that the man can be improved thereby. The state must both by means of rites and laws are governed both by human policy and with ...