Confucianism is one of the belief systems or religion that help shaped ancient history. Despite the difference in diverse governments and civilizations that existed and continues to exist, Confucianism is one thing that gives them similarities. One of the nations which have been extensively affected by this belief system is the country of Japan, particularly during its Nara period which encompasses the history of Joan from 710 to 794 CE. Much of Chinese and Japanese Confucianism derived their doctrines from the Analects of Confucius. The said record delved extensively with ethical principles in governance as well as personal values. Five of these principles which helped shaped the Nara Period in Japan are: benevolence, loyalty, honor, dignity, and the concept of being a gentleman.
Hu Mei, one of the film makers in China has tried to put into the screen the life of Kong Qui or Confucius in order to show how he applied the aforementioned principles into his own life and in his manner of ruling as a politician or adviser to his students during his time. One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Kong Qui was giving an advice to one of his students who were given a call from the Kingdom of Wei’s ruler to serve a political position. Despite the fact that Kong Qui felt that his student’s must turn down the offer, his student’s eagerness to apply Kong Qui’s teachings in politics won. He, therefore, was resolved to serve the Kingdom of Wei. Before departing Kong Qui advised his student to always apply harmony and civility, to make moderation and mercy his highest principles in leading and serving the kingdom, to be generous and gentle in all things, and to serve humbly, wisely and honorably. Later in the film it was shown that this particular student of Kong Qui tried living the teachings of his teacher even until his death by the sword in the hands of the kingdom’s enemies. Before his student died he exclaimed, “when a gentleman dies he must maintain his dignity” (Mei).
Perhaps, the principles in the analects – such as the five aforementioned principles – are indeed useful in governance that the leaders in the Japanese Nara Period even sent envoys to China in order to inquire of the philosophies related to the analects. The leaders then adapted some of the said principles. The concepts of honor, dignity, and being a gentleman are for example shaped the manner of governance and personal life. Accordingly, each Japanese should maintain his honor and dignity. These two principles are as essential as life itself – perhaps even greater. This explains why Samurais are more than willing to kill themselves when they have done something that is not in accordance to the ethical principles that they ought to live. They must maintain honor and dignity even if it causes them their lives. The Japanese also believe in the concept of being a gentleman (Craig 86). The analects explain that being a gentleman is directly connected to living by a code of morality or ethics, as well as showing filial love (The Analects of Confucius 70). The Japanese culture during the Nara period laid heavy emphasis in filial love, and their rulers govern in accordance to a set of laws. In this sense, the Japanese during the Nara Period also give heavy emphasis to benevolence. This principle according to Kong Qui is a love that must transcend all of humanity (Mei). It should be emphasized though that the sub-aspect of being a gentleman that necessitates that a person should be judged according to his merits and virtues was not as applied by the Japanese during the Nara period, because their leaders were chosen based on heredity and not from meritocracy (Craig 85). Honor and loyalty also characterize the relationship between the rulers and the ones being ruled. The prevalent Japanese culture during the said period prescribes a reciprocating relationship between the ruled and ruler. The ruler must rule with honor while the ruled must give all his loyalty to the ruler (Kasulis 1). It should be noted that the principles in the analects were deeply considered by the rulers of the Nara Period in governing. Nevertheless, it should also be noted that they have also incorporated the teachings of Buddhism and other oriental philosophies. Confucianism, nonetheless, exerted its influence to the Japanese during the Nara period (Craig 8).
In conclusion, the principles in the Analects of Confucius, indeed, had great influence in shaping of the Japanese social and political culture. The said influence is exhibited in the relationship between the rulers and those that they rule, in their laws, and in the relationship among lay people. Moreover, in a more general or wider perspective the success of the rulers, or the countries which applied the principles found in Confucianism – can be partly attributed to the degree of obedience to the set of principles explain in the analects as shown in Hu Mei’s film and in the events that occurred in the Nara Period. It is concluded, therefore, the principles in The Analects of Confucius are indeed beneficial at the individual and in the organizational or national level.
Works Cited
Craig, Albert M. The Heritage of Japanese Civilization (2nd Ed.)NY: Prentice Hall (2011), pp. 85-88.
Kasulis, Thomas P. Japanese philosophy. In E. Craig (Ed.), Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy. London: Routledge. 1998. Web.
Mei, Hu. Kongzi. 2010. Web.
“The Analects of Confucius.” Version 2.1. 2012. Web.
