"Respect and Good Conduct" - Confucius

Public Domain, Link

Confucius' Chinese name is K'ung Futzu which means "master king". In history, it has been told that his parents gave him the name K'ung Futzu because, when he was born (531-479 B.C.), it was foretold that he would be a king without a crown.

Confucius was one of the greatest Chinese philosopher who taught his followers to help others, to value the family and to respect others. 

How many of us keep and observe the teachings of Confucius? 

His philosophy and teachings at a time of great disturbance in China was really great that it is not about religion that shrines and temples were erected in his honor. He helped the Chinese people during that period of great disturbance to enlighten their hearts through his teachings to bring peace and order in his country. 

To respect for their ancestors and parents, work hard, and good conduct was very important. He taught that if everyone did their duty to the emperor and behaved well, the country could be strong and at peace.

He emphasized the need for order and respect on Earth so that there will be a harmonious balance between heaven, Earth, and human beings. To achieve this, people have to learn from the past to see how should they behave in the present. While he ignored the existence of religious beliefs, he stressed instead the importance of serving other people. He said that people should not do anything to other people that they would not like others to do to them. Above all, he said that it was pointless to worship a god, or honor ancestors, if you do not serve other people first.

The Golden Rule: Do Not Do Unto Others What You Do Not Like Others Do Unto You.

What a great teaching to read, but how many of us is practicing that teachings of Confucius?

My daughter once told me of her English class teacher (her teacher is a British) his one word of request that he asked from his class. That one word is "respect". I explained her that, that "one word" is already enough to let his students know that if they can give him his request, a harmonious relationship will be expected between him and his students. His students' respect includes politeness to him and among the students as well, and obedience if they are asked to do their homework. If his students will respect him, he will do the same.

Is respect still observed between students and teachers nowadays?

In the Internet, tons and tons of quotations that I see with regards to the word "respect", but while all those quotations are everywhere, liked by millions to sum it all, what we see and read in the news is on the contrary. Juvenile problems, family disputes, single parents fast increasing, fighting each other, and lots of problems everywhere because although the word "respect" is everywhere but the deeds to respect is nowhere to some.

Indeed, Confucius did well to his people in China through his teachings that is full of wisdom. His followers practiced his teachings and it has been taught to the generations that followed. It was even taught in schools not only in China, but in other countries. This is why Confucianism became the state religion in China.