Confucianism - Evolution and Spread to Vietnam, Korea & Japan - Hundred Schools of Thought

Summary

Confucius, often reduced to fortune cookie wisdom, was a significant philosopher whose teachings shaped Chinese and East Asian culture. Contrary to popular belief, Confucius did not create Confucianism but preserved ancient traditions, aiming to restore a utopian society. Over time, Confucianism evolved, influencing dynasties and spreading to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Schools like Neo-Confucianism emerged, incorporating ideas from Buddhism and rational thought. Confucianism’s evolution is ongoing, with its philosophies continuing to adapt. This video traces its dynamic journey, suggesting that Confucianism's future form is still unknown.

Takeaways

• 😀 Confucianism, as we know it today, is a misnomer, and the philosophy in Asia is actually referred to as the 'School of Ru' or 'Scholarism'.
• 😀 Confucius did not invent the philosophy attributed to him; he was simply the transmitter of ancient moral traditions from earlier dynasties in China.
• 😀 Confucius aimed to re-establish the values of the early Zhou Dynasty, which he viewed as a utopian period of Chinese history.
• 😀 Confucius' role models were the legendary kings Yao and Shun, who were known for their meritocratic leadership, not for inheriting the throne by birthright.
• 😀 Confucianism gained prominence only long after Confucius' death during the Han Dynasty when Emperor Han Wudi made Confucian texts a core part of the Imperial exams.
• 😀 The evolution of Confucianism continued over time, with influential philosophers like Mencius and Zhu Xi introducing key ideas that shaped the philosophy further.
• 😀 Zhu Xi, a major figure in Confucianism, emphasized rational Confucianism, incorporating elements of scientific investigation while still adhering to traditional metaphysical ideas like Qi and Yin Yang.
• 😀 In the Ming Dynasty, Neo-Confucianism (often called Song-Ming Confucianism) became the dominant school of thought in China, influencing Korea and Japan.
• 😀 Confucianism spread to East Asia through Chinese influence, adapting differently in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam due to their unique cultural and political contexts.
• 😀 In Japan, Confucianism evolved through various phases, with the most significant shift occurring during the Meiji Restoration when Confucian ideas fueled Japanese nationalism.
• 😀 Confucianism continues to evolve, with modern interpretations adapting to changing societal needs, showing that the philosophy remains dynamic even after 2,000 years.

Q & A

What is Confucianism, and how is it perceived in the West?

Confucianism is a philosophical system originating from Confucius, focusing on morality, ethics, and social harmony. In the West, it is often seen as an ancient and monolithic philosophy, though this perspective oversimplifies its evolution and diverse schools of thought.

Why is the term 'Confucianism' considered a misnomer?

The term 'Confucianism' was coined by Matteo Ricci, a Jesuit missionary, when translating Confucian texts into Latin. Confucius himself did not create the philosophy but was a transmitter of ancient moral traditions. The term is misleading because it suggests that Confucius invented the philosophy, which he did not.

What was Confucius' goal during his lifetime?

Confucius aimed to revive the moral values of the early Zhou Dynasty, particularly those of the kings and dukes. His goal was to re-establish the virtues and rituals that he believed led to a utopian society, which had been lost due to the decentralization of power and internal warfare.

How did Confucius' philosophy spread and gain influence in China?

Confucius' philosophy did not become state orthodoxy until the Han Dynasty, long after his death. Emperor Han Wudi made Confucian texts the basis of imperial examinations, solidifying its influence as the state ideology. Confucius' disciples also played a significant role in spreading his ideas.

What role did Mencius play in the development of Confucianism?

Mencius, a key disciple of Confucius, expanded on Confucian thought, particularly emphasizing that humans are naturally good. He introduced the concept that rulers should be benevolent and that their authority was justified by their care for the people.

How did Confucianism evolve during the Song Dynasty?

During the Song Dynasty, Confucianism evolved through the teachings of Zhu Xi, who emphasized the rational investigation of the natural world and moral philosophy. He combined Confucianism with elements of Buddhism and Daoism, advancing a proto-scientific approach to knowledge acquisition.

What is Neo-Confucianism, and how did it impact East Asia?

Neo-Confucianism, particularly in the Ming Dynasty, emphasized the importance of the mind and self-cultivation. It integrated Confucian thought with metaphysical concepts such as Qi, Yin-Yang, and the Five Elements. This school of thought became influential across East Asia, shaping philosophies in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Why is the term 'Neo-Confucianism' not entirely accurate?

The term 'Neo-Confucianism' is misleading because it implies that this was a completely new form of Confucianism. However, much of its framework was rooted in ancient Confucian ideas, and the ideas themselves had been evolving over a long period.

How did Confucianism influence Japan differently compared to China and Korea?

Japan adapted Confucianism in a unique way. The concept of the 'Mandate of Heaven' was rejected, as the Japanese Emperor was believed to be a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Confucianism's influence in Japan became stronger during the Edo period and played a role in the rise of nationalism during the Meiji Restoration.

What is the current state of Confucianism, and how is it evolving?

Confucianism continues to evolve, adapting to modern society. While it is still influential in East Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan, new interpretations are emerging to keep it relevant in contemporary issues. Confucianism is being redefined, particularly as global issues challenge traditional perspectives.