spirits and then according to Zhu Xi's books ", The spirits are urged to eat, then the door is closed. After the door is opened the sacrificed meat is taken away. Then the spirits are bid farewell . . . . The leftovers are eaten." TEACHINGS AND MAJOR EMPHASISConfucianism is system of thought based on the teachings of Confucius. Confucius taught a moral code based on ethics, humanity, and love. One day a disciple asked Confucius ", is there on word that should cover the whole duty of man?" To this question Confucius replied ", Fellow, feeling, perhaps, is that word. Do not do unto others what thou wouldst not they should do unto you." This rule became an important part of Chinese thought.Even though Confucius lived during a time of uproar, his philosophy emphasized the ideas of order and harmony. The main idea of Confucianism is the idea that people should live in harmony, both with each other and nature. T o gain these goals Confucius created a system of interpersonal relationships and good government.Confucius taught his followers to be gentlemen. His philosophy stated that a gentlemen was a person who had developed the five virtues of courtesy magnanimity, good faith, diligence, and kindness. A man who had these qualities should employ them in governing the state. To Confucius, being a part of the government was the highest calling of all because good government would bring happiness to all people. Confucius believed that through education, anyone could reach the standard of a gentleman.In China, the family served as an economic, social, and political unit, since family members participated as a group in those areas of life. The family was the natural environment for moral training and the bridge between the individual and society. Confucius taught that it was within the family that the individual fully achieved his human potential. Confucius stressed the duties and obligations of each family member and believed that each should ac...
