Estimated at 350 million, mostly in China, Japan, Burma and Thailand.erstand his relationship to the heavens and earth. Beginning as early as the prehistoric age, it is evident from cave paintings that religious rites may have been used to ensure the success of hunting, fertility, and harvests.

FOUNDED:

Confucianism began about 2,500 years ago
in China.

FOUNDER:

Supreme Sage K'ung-fu-tsu (Confucius) and
Secong Sage Meng-tzu (Mencius).

MAJOR SCRIPTURES:

The Analects, Doctrine of the Mean, Great Learning and Mencius.

SYNOPSIS:

Confucianism is, and has been for over 25 centuries, the dominant philosophical system in China and the guiding light in almost every aspect of Chinese life. Confucius and his followers traveled throughout the many feudal states of the Chinese empire, persuading rulers to adopt his social reforms. They did not offer a point-by-point program, but stressed instead the "Way," or "One Thread," Jen, which is (translated as "humanity or love") that runs through all Confucius' teachings. They urged individuals to strive for perfect virtue, righteousness (called Yi) and improvement of character. They taught the importance of harmony in the family, order in the state and peace in the empire, which they saw as inherently interdependent. Teachings emphasize a code of conduct, self-cultivation and propriety - and thus the attainment of social and national order. Stress is more on human duty and the ideal of the "superior man" than on a divine or supramundane Reality. Still, Confucius fasted, worshiped the ancestors, attended sacrifices and sought to live in harmony with Heaven. Confucianism is now enjoying a renaissance in China.