Confucianism is a philosophy based on the ideas of the Chinese philosopher, Master Kong (K'ung, Confucius, 551-479 B.C.), and followed by the Chinese people for almost two millennia. It is a social ethic, a political ideology, a world view, a scholarly tradition and a way of life. Often confused as being a philosophy and sometimes a religion, Confucianism may be understood as an all-encompassing humanism that neither denies nor slights the existence of Heaven. Despite the fact that Confucianism is often grouped with the larger religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, etc, it differs greatly from these because it is not an organized religion. Nevertheless, the faith of Confucianism spread to most East Asian countries under the influence of Chinese literate culture and exerted a profound influence on spiritual and political life.

Early Origins of Confucianism

Confucius was born in 551 BCE in the state...