The Chinese puzzle by straddling two eras Aug 13, 2008
This Western perception is also complicated by the dramatic differences in religion: Confucianism versus Christianity. Whatever the reasons for it, the disconnection between the 21st century Chinese economy and its 19th century polity seems to cause little concern among die-hard capitalists. (Business Report, South Africa)
China repackaging Confucius Aug 11, 2008
The current rehabilitation of Confucianism has taken place slowly over the past decade, as China has embraced capitalism with a zealot's fervour ... With Confucianism, scholars say, the Chinese people are searching for a consistent set of values in a shifting world; something to guide them that is theirs alone, as opposed to coming from the West ... "One thing they can share is Confucianism the oddly reinvented version, that is under the umbrella of the Chinese state," says Tong Lam, a professor... (Globe and Mail -- International)
China made easy: Tourism highlights Aug 9, 2008
The futuristic cities glittering above timeworn villages; the great rivers and vast empty deserts; the radical new architecture juxtaposed with millennia-old monuments; the ceaseless push-and-pull between Confucianism, Communism, and commerce ... The capital of Shanxi province, Taiyuan is home to the Shanxi Provincial Museum, offering a superb survey of the region's 5,000-year history, and the Jinci Temple weaves a thread between Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. (CNN -- Travel)
China unveils its 'soft-power' campaign Aug 6, 2008
Confucian ideas, which were banned in the Maoist era, are mounting a resurgence under China's new leaders, whose emphasis on social harmony has strong echoes of Confucianism ... "For most of the 20th century, China viewed itself as a weak and vulnerable country that has been denied its historical place in the sun," said Dr. Bell, author of China's New Confucianism, a book published this year. (Globe and Mail)
Show me the culture: Chinese bankers adopt Confucian ideas Aug 3, 2008
In recent years, Confucianism has experienced a revival. The government has changed its tune, welcoming the philosophy of obedience to authority. (Business Report, South Africa)
Chargers join China'sdeadly imitations Aug 1, 2008
These economic and political motives for Chinese piracy are strongly reinforced by a set of cultural norms that flow from an amoral fusion of a 60-year old Maoism and a centuries-old Confucianism ... When one adds to this Maoist version of property rights a large dose of Confucianism, the counterfeiting and piracy picture comes much more sharply into focus ... Since ancient times, Confucianism has revered, rather than reviled, imitation. (Asia Times Online)
Red neon cross lights up Koreans Jul 31, 2008
Chondogyo inspires morale; Confucianism defines ethics. What are the red neon crosses if they are not the Christian sentinels of Tonghak. (Asia Times Online)
Why a tall, handsome reject has had the last laugh Jul 28, 2008
These everyday signs, among countless others, show the fundamentals of Confucianism are alive and kicking in 21st century China ... These living legacies of Confucianism continue to anchor billions of people in their everyday lives and interactions. (Xinhuanet, China)
From the erotic domain, an aerobic trend in China Jul 25, 2008
Although China has no state religion, study of Confucianism and Taoism, two conflicting philosophies that underlie much of modern Chinese thought, is mandatory in China's education system. While Confucianism emphasizes achievement and propriety, Taoism stresses the unseen strengths in being humble and, in some cases, being perceived as average. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Catholics see more light in Vietnam Jul 24, 2008
There are six officially recognized religions in Vietnam: Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, Protestantism and Vietnam's own particular home-grown faiths, Cao Dai and Hoa Hao, all of which operate subject to government approval. Other non-recognized religions, such as independent Buddhists, Baptists, Mennonites, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Hindus, the Baha'i Faith, as well as independent Cao Dai and Hoa Hao groups, all operate illegally. (Asia Times Online)
Audio: Saudi King Abdullah Commences Interfaith Dialogue Conference in Madrid, Spain Jul 18, 2008
"God's will, praise be to Him, was that people should differ in their faiths. If the Almighty had so desired, all mankind would have shared the same religion. We are meeting today to affirm that the religions that God Almighty desired for the happiness of man, should be a means to ensure that happiness." The World Conference on Dialogue, which is taking place in Madrid, Spain, brings together representatives of Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism and Confucianism to... (PR Newswire)
What's the Big Deal About Other Rel... Jul 18, 2008
Next, we learn about Eastern Religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism. The final section discusses multi-god and anti-God religions, the New Age movement, Agnosticism and Atheism. (Suite101.com)
Middle Kingdom deciphered Jul 13, 2008
The CCP itself was actively encouraging a revival of Buddhism and Confucianism to undergird President Hu Jintao's goal of a "harmonious society". The party set strict parameters within which religion freedom could breathe. (Asia Times Online)
Olympic rings are transforming China Jul 8, 2008
Johnson said Confucianism, the primary philosophical influence of the majority Han Chinese, celebrates wisdom in pursuit of harmony and humble sacrifice for the masses. "Competition and the desire to defeat one's peers would have been repugnant in classical China," Johnson said. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Taiwan students form Nazi party Jul 8, 2008
"I think we have to work hard to restore traditional Chinese values like Confucianism," he said. "We want to study Hitler's good points, not study his massacres," said another founder member, Yue Shu-ya. (Yahoo News -- Taiwan)
Oahspe: A New Bible Jun 23, 2008
Dr. John Ballou Newbrough discusses the why of religion: What brought about Confucianism in China, what brought Brahmanism to Hindus and Buddhists and why it was necessary for the western migrations to become Jewish and Christian. Books of Oahspe. (Suite101.com)
Religions unite to address waste problems Jun 23, 2008
Chairman of the Indonesian supreme council for Confucianism, Budi S. Tanuwibowo, also emphasized the importance of bringing up the topic of waste in religious sermons. "Sermons only talk about human beings' relationship with God and rarely talk about human relationships with the environment. "Let's have more sermons that discuss humanity as well as environmental issues, instead of merely giving sweet praises to God," Budi said. At the end of the seminar, the religious leaders received drills for... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
Korea's golden misses create rich new market Jun 22, 2008
"One of the major teachings of Confucianism was that men are superior to women.". Korean women are belatedly catching up with trends in the West, he adds. (Business Report, South Africa)
The Jihad Against Free Speech Jun 20, 2008
The most exasperating part of it is, unlike Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Taoism, Confucianism and EVERY other "ism", Islam believes that it is perfectly OK to LIE in defense of Islam. So. (Human Events Online)
Korea's `Gold Misses' Dump Men for Fendi Bags, Attract Retailers, Banks Jun 14, 2008
One of the major teachings of Confucianism was that men are superior to women, making women's role peripheral and subordinate to men,'' Hyun says. Korean women are belatedly catching up with trends in the West, he says. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
WOLFF: Ping-Pong diplomacy made the Beijing Games possible Jun 12, 2008
What of the core teaching of Confucianism, in which he'd been raised, which holds nothing more precious than harmony. For all Zhuang knew, this American had boarded the bus to offer a greeting, and as the team's most accomplished player, the Chinese star felt a particular responsibility to reply in graceful kind. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
* EDITORIAL: Madness boils to the surface Jun 10, 2008
More so in Asia, where the shadow of Confucianism has stigmatized individuals who do not fit the model and which in extreme cases has led to suicide or acts of irrationality. Beyond this, society as a whole must avoid cultivating fear and despair, a general mood that like radioactive ashes settles on everybody and, in the extreme, could turn susceptible, fragile individuals into people who are a risk to themselves and others. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Today's world, the reality of values Jun 9, 2008
In an earlier era, the party ruthlessly destroyed anything associated with its pre-Maoist past, including Confucianism. Communist leaders today do not cite Confucius as rationale for their state. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
The people's new opium Jun 7, 2008
Confucianism is resurgent in China ... modernity during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s, Confucianism is now back in place with a mission to prop up the moral skeleton of the nation that is undergoing a dizzying array of sociopolitical changes ... In recent years, Beijing has particularly encouraged the revival of Confucianism as a psychological sedative amid growing public discontent over the nation's widening income gap and social growing pains. (Asia Times Online)
GALEN HOLLEY:Despite persecution, people of faith reach out May 24, 2008
A snapshot of the religious landscape in China today shows about 100 million followers of various religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam, and the philosophy of Confucianism. In a kind of reversal of the American political landscape, where an atheist candidate wouldn't stand a chance, avowed atheism is almost a must in China. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Wushu disciple from France May 24, 2008
Wushu is closely associated with Chinese culture and philosophy, especially Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and traditional Chinese medicine. "Wushu is like Chinese calligraphy, simple but meaningful," Roger said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Op-Ed Contributor Chinas Class Divide May 22, 2008
Daniel A. Bell is the author of Chinas New Confucianism: Politics and Everyday Life in a Changing Society. . (New York Times)
Letters for Monday, May 19, 2008 May 20, 2008
The Golden Rule essentially states the same thing in most religions of the world be it Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Bahai, Confucianism, Taoism, Jainism and many other religions are all based on: Do not do to others that of which if done to thee, would cause thee pain. There is a tree trimmer and landscaper who comes into our neighborhood when they re not making noise with their high-power chainsaw, weed blowers and oversized sit down mowers with a need to blast their... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Ahmadiyah hurts Islamic teachings May 2, 2008
The Moslem groups who have demanded the ban should accept the Ahmadiyah as they accepted Confucianism when it was legalized by then President Abdurrahman Wahid. The alternative solution is to encourage Ahmadiyah to become a new (separate) religion. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
James Danandjaja: Bringing back Chinese folklore Apr 23, 2008
However, many Chinese descendants favored the president due to his friendly stance and acknowledgment of Confucianism as a religion and the Imlek lunar new year as a national holiday. James said folklores were very important to maintain identity, especially for ethnic Chinese-Indonesians amid pressure from the New Order regime. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Japanese Religious History Apr 19, 2008
At the same time as the occurrence of this formalism in Buddhist thought, renewal was taking place in Confucianism and Shinto. Neo-Confucianism helped unify Japan by providing justification for the Tokugawa government, which helped to lay the foundation for the structure of modern Japan ... Japanese intellectuals who rediscovered the traditions of Confucianism in Chinese and Korean writings began to study their own country s classics, leading them to rediscover ancient Shinto traditions as well.... (Suite101.com)
Early Japanese Religion Apr 16, 2008
Confucianism, Taoism and Folk Religion. An overview of early Japanese religious history, with a focus on the traditions of Confucianism, Taoism and folk religion ... Confucianism and Taoism, alongside Shinto and Buddhism, are two of the major traditions of Japanese religion. (Suite101.com)
Uncivilized persecution in a 'civilized' world Apr 14, 2008
It is wrong for the state to view such beliefs and practices from the standpoint of so-called "established" religions like Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism or Confucianism. A nation which does not honor its own cultural heritage is a failed nation. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Why Beijing just can't grasp Tibet Apr 10, 2008
Confucianism and legalist philosophies shaped the dominant modes of Chinese thinking and these were rarely concerned with the metaphysical or divine, being firmly grounded in matters of the here and now ... But while money-worship may have replaced ideological fervor for the most part, a genuine religious renaissance is also taking place and with the consent of the CCP. Although officially atheist itself, the party has transformed from a revolutionary to a status-quo power and sees the... (Asia Times Online)
First spring Confucius fete held in E China Apr 7, 2008
As the founder of Confucianism, he has been worshiped by Chinese people for over 2,000 years. (Xinhua Photo). (Xinhuanet, China)
Meaning of culture far beyond buildings Apr 5, 2008
The two scholars founded Confucianism, the dominant ideology of almost all dynasties. But regardless of how important Confucianism has been to traditional Chinese culture, it is only part of it, even in the realm of metaphysics. (Xinhuanet, China)
China and Tibet Mar 25, 2008
To the credit of the Chinese government, religious freedom, especially for Buddhism and Confucianism, has been overwhelming. Many Han Chinese are even turning to Tibetan Buddhism as the source of their new spiritual guidance. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Stumbling towardsConfucius-ville Mar 20, 2008
True, Confucianism is the core of Chinese culture and Ji'ning is the hometown of Confucius ... A number of scholars have made their fortunes by publishing books or delivering public speeches to popularize Confucianism and other ancient doctrines. (Asia Times Online)
For Beijing, Tibet threat is 'life and death' Mar 20, 2008
Though Chinese President Hu Jintao has often praised the role of traditional Chinese religions such as Buddhism and Confucianism in contributing to a "harmonious society," Tibetan Buddhism poses a particular difficulty because its religious leader, the Dalai Lama, also plays a political role. "If this were only a matter of religion, it would be just a big headache," says Liu Junning, a political analyst in Beijing. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Bull in the China Shop Mar 18, 2008
In East Asia today, as always in the past, Confucianism plays a decisive role in legitimizing undemocratic, unaccountable forms of government ... In a world that has been drastically shrunk by fast travel and cheap telecommunications (not to mention intercontinental missiles), it is hard to see how Confucianism and Western individualism can continue to coexist as equals. (The American Conservative)
The atheist delusion Mar 15, 2008
Hitchens is an exception, but when he describes his visit to the country, it is only to conclude that the regime embodies "a debased yet refined form of Confucianism and ancestor worship". As in Russia and China, the noble humanist philosophy of Marxist-Leninism is innocent of any responsibility. (Guardian Unlimited -- Books)
CPPCC members make their voices heard Mar 10, 2008
"Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism are three cornerstones of traditional Chinese culture that contribute to its harmonious character," Xue said. Chinese Buddhists have been working to introduce Buddhism to other countries and to help more nations, ethnic groups and civilizations understand Chinese culture, he said. (Xinhuanet, China)
"Symbolic city" to help revive traditional values Mar 3, 2008
2-billion U.S. dollars will be built in Shandong Province, home of ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, in a bid to revive traditional values including Confucianism, authorities said over the weekend. The "Chinese Cultural Symbolic City", touted as the first of its kind in the country, will cover 300 sq km with an estimated investment of at least 30 billion yuan (4. (Xinhuanet, China)
China to build "cultural symbolic city" to revive Confucianism Mar 2, 2008
China plans multi-billion dollar "culture symbolic city" to revive Confucianism _English_Xinhua. China plans multi-billion dollar "culture symbolic city" to revive Confucianism ... China plans to spend billions of dollars to build a cultural symbolic city in its eastern province of Shandong, home to ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, to revive traditional cultural values including Confucianism. (Xinhuanet, China)
No more discrimination against Chinese-Indonesians: President Feb 18, 2008
The celebration, organized by the 52-year-old Supreme Council for Confucianism in Indonesia, was also attended by Religious Affairs Minister Muhammad Maftuh Basyuni, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo AS, Education Minister Bambang Sudibyo, House of Representatives Speaker Agung Laksono, Constitutional Court Chairman Jimly Asshiddiqie and Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo. Organizing committee chairman Peter Lesmana said the Confucian community thanked the... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Despite public sentiment, Sundays likely to stay dry for now Feb 13, 2008
Therein, if whether you subscribe to Bah', Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, , Jainism, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism - or Christianity for that matter - everyone should be offended that such laws continue to exist. So, while some may hide behind such laws in the name of their faith, I argue that these people can not be true Republicans, nor can they be true Christians. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
Grappling with contending moralities Feb 3, 2008
No doubt, traditional virtue exhortations such as "hexie shehui," "a harmonious society," or "datong," the "great harmony," which come in the form of quotes from traditional Confucianism and their ancient "Book of Rites," from President Hu Jintao to rally the development process are a common feature. The morality debate that has gripped Ghana impinges on development since morality drives discipline and trust, two key elements for progress. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Development Around the Necks of Chiefs Jan 16, 2008
No doubt, traditional exhortations, which come in the form of quotes from Confucianism, from President Hu Jintao to rally the development process are a common feature. Boafos thinking reveals elites who are painstakingly grasping the nuances of post-colonial Ghana as a development project with frustrations and despair flying here and there; where its elites have not thought deeply about the nation-states progress from within its traditional values and norms; where its elites have taken... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Two Areas, Two Takes On Internet Jan 12, 2008
This is true whether the philosophy is Confucianism or communist-inspired "Legalism" which extols following the law. At the same time, Chinese society puts a big premium on material success at a time when the nation's economy is booming. (Investors Business Daily)
Cracks Behind The facade Jan 10, 2008
The China model is sometimes described in traditional terms, as though modern Chinese politics were an updated version of Confucianism. But a society where the elite's pursuit of money is elevated above all other human endeavours is a far cry from any kind of Confucianism that may have existed in the past. (India Times, India)
Silent Night in China Jan 9, 2008
The students call for restoration of traditional beliefs of Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism could have easily been mistaken for an attack on encroaching Christian values. But it was really an assault on wasteful customs of sending Christmas cards, decorating homes and buying gifts in line with ongoing criticism of the prevailing materialism of Christmas celebrations in the West. (YaleGlobal Online Magazine, CT)
Sage's returnYoung Chinese are once again taught the wisdom of Confucius Jan 4, 2008
Confucianism and Communism have never been happy bedfellows ... The understanding of Confucianism was lost in the 1960s, he says, but gradually China is now rediscovering its traditional culture, including his teachings ... "I think the government's attitude is more and more positive. The movement to embrace and spread Confucianism is growing.". (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Fukuda "very happy" with talks with Chinese leaders Dec 29, 2007
He added that it was the prime minister's personal wish, as Confucianism, along with Buddhism and Shinto, constituted the foundation of Japanese culture and was the common origin of both cultures. On Sunday afternoon, Fukuda will conclude his four-day official visit, flying back to Japan from Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province. (Xinhuanet, China)
Shields and swords set cracking pace at Sotheby's auction Dec 15, 2007
Of Asian interest is Confucius Sinarum Philosophus of 1686-87, the first systematic and comprehensive study of Confucianism - in Latin, of course. And the first definitive work on the Chinese Empire, Father Du Halde's Description Geographique De L'Empire De Chine from 1735 in four volumes, folio size. (Sydney Morning Herald)
* How to assess educational reform Dec 14, 2007
My instincts say no. In reality, these regions are deeply influenced by Confucianism and the resultant educational competition. It is also very common for students to go to "cram schools." Ten years of educational reform has made cram schools in Taiwan increase in number from about 2,600 to more than 14,000. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Deans: Building Confucius Institutes into a "world-acknowledged brand" Dec 13, 2007
He was also the founder of Confucianism. Advocating the "building of a harmonious society" through individual self-refinement in manners and taste, Confucianism dominated Chinese society for centuries and was spread to Europe in the late 16th century. (Xinhuanet, China)
Confucius Institute opens in Kazakhstan's Eurasia University Dec 6, 2007
As the founder of Confucianism, Confucius, born in 551 B.C., was a great thinker, educator and philosopher in ancient China. Advocating building a harmonious society through individuals' self-refinement in manners and taste, Confucianism has been the dominating ideology in Chinese society for centuries and was spread to Europe in the late 16th century. (Xinhuanet, China)
It is important to teach about religions Dec 6, 2007
During the course of sixth and seventh grades, students learn about Christianity (both Catholicism and Protestantism), Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Shintoism and many other religions, including the ancient religions of the Inca, Maya and Aztec peoples. It is simply not possible to teach history effectively without understanding the many impacts of religion. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
The dictatorship of talent Dec 5, 2007
They instill in you the legacy of Confucianism, especially the values of hierarchy and hard work. They send you off to school. (International Herald Tribune)
* The globalization of ethics Dec 2, 2007
Ethnically homogeneous Japan is an example of how three different religions -- Shinto, Confucianism and Buddhism -- can coexist peacefully and, in many cases, intermingle. Even Islam -- which mostly spread in the wake of military conquests in the Middle East, India and North Africa -- expanded rather peacefully into Southeast Asia in the footsteps of merchants, scholars and mystics. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Taking Arkansas to China Nov 30, 2007
orphanages filled mostly with girls, reflecting the Confucianism embedded within the Chinese culture, which results in a paternalistic control over everything. English being an important language. (Buffalo Reflex, MO)
Taiwan students form Nazi party Nov 22, 2007
"I think we have to work hard to restore traditional Chinese values like Confucianism," he said. "We want to study Hitler's good points, not study his massacres," said another founder member, Yue Shu-ya. (Yahoo News -- Taiwan)
China, Hungary expand on cultural, educational ties Nov 17, 2007
" The Beijing Foreign Studies University and Hungary's Eotvos Lorand University established the European country's first Confucius Institute in December last year. "The registration of 200 Hungarian students, which seems a small number, is already a great figure for a country like Hungary," Istvan said. He added the Confucius Institute offered both language programs and Chinese cultural courses which greatly enhanced the two nations' cultural and educational exchange. "China is a 'power engine'... (Xinhuanet, China)
Unorthodox sects face prosecution in Indonesia Nov 16, 2007
Although Indonesia's Constitution explicitly guarantees freedom of religion, the government extends this protection to only six officially recognized faiths: Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Various laws and edicts prohibit blasphemy, heresy, proselytizing and apostasy. (International Herald Tribune)
Call for action on tobacco Nov 11, 2007
This could be because of the influence of Islam, or Confucianism in China, where one in every worldwide three cigarettes was smoked, or because anti-smoking health messages had been effective. Among other causes for hope was the passage of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control, which read like a "good national law", and the fact that many individual countries had already taken tough action on smoking. (iAfrica.com)
