Confucianism in East Asian Cultures
Confucianism is often characterized as a system that involves social and ethical philosophy as opposed to being purely a religion in the traditional definition of religion. As a matter of fact Confucianism is based on ancient religious foundations for the establishment of institutions, social values, and transcendent ideas of traditional societies. The paper is a critique of Confucian legacies in East Asian modernities, knowledge as well as pedagogies. Specific examples are drawn from China, Japan and Korea for the purpose of comparative analysis. These three countries in East Asia have all experienced historical repetitions of the disregarding followed by revival of the Confucian legacy at different times during their modernization. However, all of them have kept strong Confucian pedogic culture that frames ways in which knowledge is transmitted and applied for the definition of modernity in East Asia. Confucianism has a very immense continuity even though it has travelled widely and has been rewritten throughout time in history. There have been a lot of East Asian histographies, writings and rewritings of the Confucian legacy within the East Asian modernization since late 19th century (Kim, 2009).
Scholars have attributed lack of development in East Asia to tradition initially, now attributing the success to these traditions. In other words; Confucianism has been used as an account for both successes of moderation as well as its failures. Confucianism was being condemned as a cause of economic stagnation of East Asian countries within the 19th and 20th centauries and then it began being praised as a constituent in the rapid economic take-off, although it was belated, as well as sustaining industrialization process in Korea, Japan and China. Overall, Confucianism has been used as a frame of reference when it comes to explaining East Asia as though legacy of Confucianism is key when it comes to the understanding of the commonality of East Asia enigma concerning late development and fast modernization. The firm belief in Confucianism by these three countries apparently can be referred to as a major propelling force that drives their innovation and transparency within the society. One of the tenets of Confucian is "dedication to learning as a lifelong spiritual calling, emphasis on social relationships and moral integrity despite the temptations of fame, power and wealth." (Jeffrey L.R., 2013:Pp 7) This expressly drives everyone within the three countries to keep seeking knowledge with the moral integrity as a cornerstone hence the quick development.
Orgins of Confucianism in China
Looking at the development and origin of Confucianism in China, Korea and Japan respectively, it is realized that the founder was born in China 551 BCE, Confucius lived at a time when there was a lot of political turmoil. There were a lot of kingdoms that divided the area today known as China, each of which fought to dominate. Many people suffered displacement, hunger and even death as a result of the fighting and amidst all the anarchy, Confucius wanted to bring peace and order to this society (Cartwright, 2012). He wanted to do this as a high minister within the government but this was not possible therefore he strived to teach others how they can live in harmony with others around them as well as the principles of good governance. His teachings eventually were embraced by the society and he turned out to be one of China's greatest teachers and social philosophers (Kim, 2009). The focus of his teachings was mortal world of the rulers and those who are being ruled as opposed to life after death. In Confucianism peace and order were given the first priority. Rulers achieved harmony and order within their kingdoms when they abided by moral codes that were strict and sought after virtues. These virtues are such as humility, humanness, ritual, filial piety and diligence. Confucius also taught that the safety of the society was dependent on how people maintained and strengthened five key relationships namely; ruler and ruled, father and son, husband and wife, elder and younger and a friend to a friend. After the death of Confucius these teachings spread throughout China (Jeffrey L.R., 2013: Pp 10).
China, Korea and Japan had a strong bond that made it easy for Confucian philosophy to spread easily through these there countries. The Confucian system of society, thought and government has a very long history in Korea. The knowledge of its form can be traced in the earliest days of the peninsula. For many centauries Confucianism had a strong influence in Korea but it was not pervasive....
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