I. RELIGION AND RELIGIOUS
It is not easy to define religion, especially in this world where we find that religions are very diverse. A person's view of religion is determined by their understanding of the teachings of the religion itself. This was proven when the influence of the church in Europe oppressed scientists due to their discoveries which were considered to be contrary to the holy scriptures, these scientists ultimately moved away from religion and even left it.
However, in essence, religion is part of the important aspects of human activities and is even considered a necessity for a sure guide in living this life. If science adapts humans to their environment, then religion adapts to their identity.
This is what the Muslim philosopher Murtadha Muthahhari said in explaining some of the functions and roles of religion in life that cannot be played by science and technology. Therefore, the diversity of religions in the world needs to be studied and understood considering the importance of tolerance between fellow human beings in order to create harmony and prosperity in life.
II. KONG HU CU & CHINESE PHILOSOPHY
Kong Hu Cu or Confucis was a Chinese philosopher who was famous as the first person to develop a system to combine the natural thoughts and beliefs of the Chinese people. His teachings concern individual decency and ideas for governments to carry out governance and serve the people by exemplifying good behavior.
The religion of Confucius or Confucianism or Confucianism is the oldest religion in China, but it is not the only religion there. As is often stated in a Chinese proverb, which states that China has three religions but the three are actually only one. The three religions in question are Confucianism, Toism and Buddhism. This proverb means that in China the three religions have mutually influenced each other, so that it is difficult and difficult to talk about one of them without linking it to the others.
In the 6th century BC, the religious and moral life of Chinese society had deteriorated to such an extent. The culture and civilization that had previously been painstakingly built by previous dynasties, now remained only a shadow. At that time, the presence of Confucianism was an answer to the condition of society which had gone beyond the limits of humanity, so it was called to revive the Ru religion, the religion of gentle, wise and learned people.
Therefore, it is not surprising to say that Confucianism focuses on humanity and the present world or pays little attention to the future. Indeed, Confucianism focused more on what humans should do in this world. The next day is a reflection of today. The results of all actions in the world will now be harvested on the last day. The emphasis on the present and humanity is an encouragement for its adherents to become wise and virtuous people, both towards their parents, family, neighbors and country.
In teaching his teachings he does not like to relate it to the idea of divinity, he refuses to talk about the afterlife and metaphysical issues, he is just a secular philosopher who questions the morals of power and good personal human morals. However, because his teachings are more directed towards morality and approach religious teachings, he is often classified and considered a carrier of religion.
III. ETHICS IN CONGHUCU RELIGION
On the basis of the Confucian faith, moral and ethical teachings were derived which directly related to behavior in practical livelihoods.
In this case, it must be remembered that no matter how beautiful, practical and useful the teaching is, without a solid foundation of faith it will become shallow and barren. Unfortunately, many people study and view Confucianism only from a practical moral and ethical perspective without wanting to know the basis of their faith. It is clear that this method is not appropriate and the results will be far from the truth.
To understand the teachings of Confucian ethics in depth, we must know what is called San Kang (three relationships of karma), Ngo Lun (Five norms of politeness in society), Pa Te (Eight noble qualities or eight policies), the importance of learning values such as humans and ethics towards spirits.
1. San Kang (three karmic relationships)
The meaning of San Kang or three karmic relationships is:
- The relationship between the king and ministers or superiors and subordinates
Confucian expression:
"a king treats his ministers with Li (courtesy or full of good manners). A minister serves the king with loyalty.” (Lun Gi III: 19)
The Confucian saying above illustrates that a leader must be wise and wise towards the people he leads, and likewise a subordinate must be able to respect his superior as befits a superior. - Parent-child relationship
Confucians also talked about the relationship between fathers and their children, and vice versa, the relationship between children and their parents.
Khonghucu words:
"The king functions as a function, a minister functions as a minister, a father functions as a father and a son functions as a son." (Lun Gi XII: II)
The Confucian saying above illustrates that in everyday life, a person must be able to carry out their social functions well. - Husband's relationship with wife
For Confucians, the relationship between husband and wife must also be based on good and commendable qualities. A husband must be able to respect his wife and vice versa. This can be seen from Mencius' words below:
"According to (following) the right qualities is the holy path for a woman." (Mencius III, 2;2) a good wife is a wife who submits and obeys her husband's orders, and a bad wife is a wife who always violates her husband's orders.
If a wife can obey her husband's orders, it does not mean that the husband can do as he pleases, but the husband should be able to do what is best for his wife. For khanghucu, it is better for the husband to act as a kuncu (virtuous man) who can create harmony in the household.
2. Ngo Lun (five norms of politeness in society)
Ngo Lun is also known as Wu Luen, which also means "five norms of politeness in society". Both Ngo Lun and Wu Luen have the same meaning.
In San Kang it is discussed about:
- The relationship between the king and his ministers or the relationship between superiors and subordinates.
Father's relationship with child,
husband's relationship with wife.
Meanwhile, in Ngo Lun, these three relationships are added to two more relationships, namely:
- Sibling relationship with sibling
Confucian sayings about the relationship between brother and sister:
"A young person, at home should be devoted, outside (home) should be humble, careful so that they can be trusted, have love for the community, and be in close contact with people who are loving." (Lun Gi, I:6)
- Friend to friend relationship
Confucianism said:
"There are three kinds of friends who bring benefits and there are three kinds of friends who bring harm. A friend who is straight, honest, and knowledgeable, will bring benefits. A friend who is cunning, who is weak in good things, and is only good at twisting his tongue will bring harm. (Lun Gi, XIV : 4)
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