Summary:
A look at the Vietnamese interpretation of Confucianism and the degree to which it influenced the Vietnamese government. While Confucianism played an important role in the shaping of Vietnam, the Vietnamese accepted only the political and moral aspects of this philosophy and combined it aspects of Buddhism and Taoism.
Confucianism and Vietnam
Confucianism is based, mainly, on five virtues: sincerity, benevolence, filial piety, intelligence, and propriety. Sincerity, the first of the five virtues, meant that one was to be truthful and straightforward in speech and in action. A sincere man, according to Confucius, obeyed all of the rules inwardly as well as outwardly. Benevolence, the second virtue, meant that one should help others in times of need. It also meant that one should be concerned with the well being of others. Filial Piety, the third virtue, was considered one of the greatest virtues. This virtue says that a son should honor and respect his parents. This virtue also extended to four more relationships: that of the ruler and subject, the husband and wife, the elder brother and younger brother, and that between friends......
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