Viewed as both a religion and a philosophy, Confucianism is based on the teachings of Confucius from the 6th and 5th century BC. Confucianism doesn’t claim that there is a Heaven or a spiritual leader, such as God or Allah, but it doesn’t deny it either. It can often be described as a state of openness and wondering.
Confucianism, founded in China, has around 5 million followers worldwide. Interestingly enough, Confucianism is not a term recognized by the Chinese. It was actually coined in the 18th century by the English-speaking world as a way to define the practice and followings of Confucius.
Born in 551 BC in what is now the Shantung Province, Confucius was raised by his mother after his father passed away when he was three. As a teenager he served in minor government offices, and married when he was 19 years old. In his thirties, he began an illustrious teaching career, focusing on six arts: ritual, music, archery, mathematics, calligraphy, and charioteering. Confucius developed concepts that applied to society, education, and government, and hoped to spread the word through a political career. But he didn’t seem to fit in anywhere on the political ladder, and so his hopes for a career stagnated.
At 67, he returned to his home to begin in-depth writing of all his philosophies. He passed away at the age of 73.
Followers of Confucianism have a very optimistic view of the world. Human beings are believed to have the power to becoming awe-inspiring and life-changing sages, a belief that extends to everyone, but perhaps especially those who appear to live ordinary, quiet lives, much as Confucius himself did. There are no specific traditions or rituals necessary to follow Confucianism, but several followers will choose to follow a combination of religions, including Hinduism or Buddhism, as well as adhering to the teachings of Confucius.