Neo-Confucianism

The Confucianism traces back in the history of China and East Asia. Confucianism started during the duration of ancient history of China. This occurred when China had many problems concerning the unity of its citizens, and the existing unrest that was rampant throughout the nation. In the period between (771-221BC), the philosopher by the name of Confucius developed some guidelines that were meant to bring a sense of fulfillment and harmony in the nation. These guidelines came to be known as the Confucius concepts. These guidelines become famous because of the autocratic rule and the imperial dynasties that existed at the time. The content of this Confucian guidelines suited China based on prevailing stern social class hierarchies, obedient and respectful nature of citizens. The Confucianism later on became the guiding principle of the moral and ethical guidelines in the period of the second century B.C. It later spread to East Asia by their interaction with China through China’s influence on culture and trade (Hall 59).

The Confucian idea has had a substantial impact as far as the culture, economy, and politics of China are concerned. Therefore, it is crucial to note that the concept of Confucian touches on every aspect of business. In the Confucian thought, Li has been used to signify the structure, property, and rituals. Here, the concept of Confucian brings the existence of establishment of the Hierarchal family business. It explains that the family is the basis of Chinese organizations, which are inclusive of the businesses. The Chinese values the family as a crucial part of society and in their perspective; the family always is first and other things second, including the businesses. This shows the existing difference between China and other countries. In China, the main objectives of the businesses are more inclined to family’s interests, but for the rest of the world, the primary aim of all business is to make a profit. Li also emphasized on the importance of those in power is not only receive titles and enjoy the benefits of their work, but also to be of benefit to the other people. From this directive, the growth of business within China and from the business treaties outside China is automatically improved due to the positive involvement of the government. Once the government is actively involved in the businesses taking place, it becomes a sure way of ruling out cases of illegal deals from either within or without the country.

The second concept is Chu Tzu, which also means the ‘ruler’s sons. The principles of Chu Tzu touched were aimed at those who felt superior to others. It laid down the guidelines of behaviors and the values that should be upheld by the superior ones. It stipulated that the superior men would be expected to do what is considered right; while the small men were expected always do what was considered profitable to the rest. The analects of Chun Tzu stated that; a righteous person is always happy. The wise is never perplexed, and the brave is never afraid. This principle sorts to explain that a reasonable person should be righteous, and endeavors to become respectful to others. In regards to the business in China, today, the rampant growth of business in china has a lot to do the principle of Chu Tzu. When there is an existence of sound policy and governance, the business automatically grows. From the principle that the superior man should always do the right thing, this boils down to sound management practices that are employed while running businesses. It could also imply about the role of the banks and other lending institutions. They should take the superior man’s role when assisting the businesspersons either financially or by offering advices.

In the role of the small man of only doing what is profitable to others as stipulated by Chun Tzu, much emphasis were given to the value and the importance of working hard. In being profitable, the concept touched on the value of being of service to others. This might be the reason why China is growing by the day. The modern infrastructures favoring most businesses are being erected in China. The leading growth of businesses in China is because of collective hard work and responsibility that every citizen in China displays. From Chun Tzu’s analects that says; a righteous man is always happy. Emphasis has been put to discredit criminality. Increase in criminal actions has an inverse proportionality to business growth.

The third Confucian concept was known as Jen. Jen gave much emphasis on the prevailing relationship that existed between the individuals. He argued that, for an effective relationship between persons, one should cultivate on virtues such as benevolence, love and be humane towards others. He also went further in instilling the virtues such as being diligent, not being selfish, courteousness and being sympathetic when dealing with other people. He instilled the sense of civility and morality among the people of china. In order to have a smooth running in business, these virtues are ideal for any human existence. In case of businesses, the ability of a person to practice courtesy helps one in making reasonable and effective business deals. A courteous person is likable, and most customers tend to be comfortable with persons with this virtue. These concepts have affected China positively as many countries around the world are striving to become China’s business partners. Most business in many places is affected by the attitude of selfishness among the rival businesspersons. They do this to keep as many customers as they can, but in china, this is not the case. From the guiding principle of Jen, he strongly condemns selfishness among the people as this highly disintegrates the society.

In conclusion, the Confucian concept has encompassed all aspect of human life. All the significant factors starting from the way one is expected to take his own care. This aspect has clearly been illustrated by the principles Chun Tzu. Chun Tzu emphasizes on the importance of being good, wise, and brave. All these virtues help in the growth of self. He also encourages one on being innovative and always ready to take the risk in business. In supporting this verdict, Chun Tzu suggests that one should always be wise, for one can never be perplexed, and being brave and in trusting in self, and once this is done one can never be afraid. The concept of Li helps one in understanding their historical system of leadership. They are also taught on the importance of their elders as far as business and other life challenges are concerned. They are also taught on the importance of family and their involvement in various businesses. Li elaborates on the system of division of labor, the elder one are given the managerial position of the existing businesses. He also directs those in power on how to use their position for the benefit of others and no to enrich self. Finally, Jen gives much emphasis on the way one interacts with the others. He also goes further and explains about the principles that those who are in power should follow for an effective service for all (Grayson 97).

Neo-Confucianism is the cornerstone of traditional Chinese culture. Neo-Confucianism developed as a result of both ethical and political factors which emphasized a number of obligations regarding individuals in the society. The main ones included, respecting the elders and responsibility to the community. Through observation of these rules, individuals made governing by the rulers easier. In addition, it would promote harmonious family relationship. Over years, it developed into a set of moral laws, and overtime has formed the basis of most of China’s fundamental civil examinations which stressed the importance of Confucian learning. Though it originally began in china, Neo-Confucianism became an international movement which spread to other East Asia countries. It has significantly influenced the history, social structure and the people of China, Korea and Japan. Neo-Confucians intention was to promote a unified vision of humane success that in the end would help a person become worthy by means of various forms of self-cultivation. There are many recurring themes in the Analects of Confucius. There is an overemphasis of the main themes due to their importance. The theme of relationships is central to Confucianism and the varying duties arising as a result of different status held by an individual in relation to another. For example, in relation to their parents and elders an individual becomes a junior. With regards to individuals who are younger, for example, children and younger siblings, an individual becomes a senior. The juniors have an obligation of respect and service to their seniors. On the other hand, seniors have a duty to help and guide the juniors. Even today, the theme of relationship particularly with respect to children duties towards parents and elders, and the parent’s duty toward their children, manifest itself in many aspects of East Asian culture time and again.

Confucius stressed a set of rules that should be respect (Analects 15:23). If individuals in the community followed these, rules then social relationships would become significantly harmonious. Also, the rulers and the ruled needed to embrace sensitivity to others for peaceful coexistence. It required compassion, tolerance and empathy when dealing with others. Individual’s development was of considerable concern to Confucius. He maintained that this occurred within the framework of human relationships and sensitized the ways in which an individual should act towards another from an underlying attitude of humaneness. The Confucian version of the Golden Rule which urged individuals to do to others as they would want to be done to them, best express Confucius’ concept of humaneness. According to Ryazan it will be incredibly difficult for an individual to behave humanely if the ruler lacks the basic theory of Confucianism. It presupposes a ruler to avoid acting in an inhumane manner towards his subjects. Such a ruler stands to lose the mandate and the right to rule and thus should not be obeyed. However, a ruler who rules in a humane manner and has people’s welfare at heart has the mandate and the right to rule. Though Confucius himself had little to say on the will of the people, on one occasion his follower Mencius did state that the people’s opinion on certain weighty matters should be polled. Confucius specified gender role with men having more status than women. The society expects Japanese women to serve as willing subordinates to men. Moreover, there was a popular saying of the time which suggested that a virtuous wife is a wise mother. The widely accepted teachings of Hayashi Ryazan contribute to this submissive role. He developed a Confucian group of people who share common opinion that placed emphasis on authority and inferiority in certain relationships. The needs and success of the husband depended upon a woman fully devoting herself to him. Japanese females have gotten used to the societal expectations for them to play the role of dutiful wives. Some of their ambitions and desires remain suppressed as the society considers them male.

Hayashi Ryazan’s teachings, although developed a long time ago, formed the basis of the Japanese social and cultural structure for centuries. Throughout history the issues of human relationship with one another, those pertaining to close family members, the rulers and ministers, individuals, siblings and friends, also crop up as is the case in Analects of Confucius. According to Ryazan, the Way is not something obscure and isolated. It exists between ruler and minister, father and son, man and wife, old and young, and in the interaction between friends. Schools in China placed emphasis on the issue of human, moral relations. Their intention is to improve the custom of people by changing attitudes and beliefs of individuals.

The Family is the most valuable part of Korean life. The husband heads the family, and according to Confucian tradition he should provide food, clothing and shelter for the family. In addition, he approves marriages or other decisions made by the family members. Duties of the eldest son to his parents should come first. Secondly his duties are to his brothers starting from the oldest to youngest in the family. His sons come third, and fourthly his wife with his daughters coming last. There is more significant placed on family welfare than the individual. Rulers have an obligation to love and care for their subjects and serve them diligently. In the family, fathers should be compassionate with their sons. Management of external matters is the duty of husbands whereas; wives obligation is to order the family’s internal affairs. Among the siblings, elder brothers should teach their younger brothers. The younger should follow their elder brother’s instructions. Friends association with one another should be on the basis of rites and justice. Introduction of Confucian thought as a part of cultural influence from China had a significant influence in the Koreans traditions and cultural values. To-date the legacy of Confucianism has remained a fundamental part of the Korean community. It has played a role in shaping the ethical structure, people’s way of life, social relations between different age groups and high culture. Also, the legal system derives much of it’s basis from Confucianism. In Korea, observing of Confucius traditions is viewed as a sensible way of holding the nation together by doing away with various forms of conflicts arising in the community. Arrangement of marriages by families through a matchmaker is still a common practice. Korean dates are often with individuals chosen by the family as possible mates. Koreans would not consider public display of affection in public as this, according to traditions would amount to significant breach of etiquette. According to Confucianism, repressing emotions is a sign of culture. There are many family rituals closely tied to Confucian tradition. When one sees a string of dried red peppers hanging across an entrance to a Korean home, it is a sign that the birth of a baby boy will occur within a week. Confucian traditions also demand treatment of the elderly with outmost respect at all times. Young Koreans never lie around, dress in a manner that is disrespectful, or eat first with the elders present. In conclusion, all the three philosophers emphasize on the theme of relationship. They all agree that, for the harmonious existence of human beings, everyone must observe his or her duties as expected.