Choose the teachings of Confucius that created Confucianism.
There are several key teachings of Confucius that formed the foundation of Confucianism:
1. Ren (Benevolence/Goodness): Confucius emphasized the importance of cultivating a sense of kindness and compassion towards others. Ren involves treating others with respect, empathy, and understanding, and is seen as essential for creating harmony and maintaining social relations.
2. Li (Rituals/Propriety): Confucius believed that adhering to proper rituals and etiquette was crucial for social order and harmony. He emphasized the importance of cultivating good manners, respecting customs and traditions, and adhering to social norms.
3. Xiao (Filial Piety): Filial piety involves showing respect, care, and devotion to one's parents and ancestors. Confucius believed that proper fulfillment of filial duties was essential for maintaining stable family relationships and serving as a foundation for broader social order.
4. Junzi (Exemplary Person): Confucius stressed the importance of self-cultivation and personal integrity. The junzi is an ideal individual who possesses virtues like wisdom, morality, and righteousness. Confucius believed that by striving to become a junzi, one could not only improve oneself but also positively influence others.
5. Wen (Cultivation of Culture): Confucius emphasized the importance of education, literature, and arts as tools for personal and societal development. He believed that studying classic texts, developing one's knowledge, and appreciating music, poetry, and the arts were vital for self-improvement and the promotion of social harmony.
Overall, these teachings of Confucius emphasized the cultivation of virtues, personal morality, fulfilling social roles, and maintaining social order and harmony through respect, rituals, and education. They formed the core principles of Confucianism and helped shape Chinese society for centuries.