Expert: Jennifer - 10/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello Jennifer!

My name is Sarah and my homework assignment is to "interview and expert" on Confucianism.  I have three questions for you.

1.What do followers of Confucianism believe in as their god, or other supreme being?  Who do they believe created everything and who decides which people go to heaven?
2.What is the Confucians' version of heaven and hell?  I heard that there are 72; is this true and what do the different levels mean?
3.Are people punished when they do not follow the rules?  What is the punishment?

Thank you in advance for answering me!

ANSWER: Hi Sarah,

I'm not an expert on Confucianism, but I can provide some answers.

1. Confucianism is technically a philosophy or a way of life. Some people view it as a collection of wise sayings. Confucius was a very wise teacher who promoted peace. His teachings are deeply rooted in Chinese culture, such as respect shown for elders, and the importance of education as well.

People who worship Confucius are usually Taoists as well. Taoism is a polytheistic religion, and so they worship many different deities, usually one for each specific area. In Asia, some parents would bring their children to Chinese temples just before they start school. The aim would be to pay respect to Confucius. Sayings have it that the children will become more focused in their studies, and thus tend to do better.

2. Taoism believes that there are 72 levels of hell. Depending on your behaviour in this life, you will be banished to a certain level. Lying, stealing are considered sins and the King of Hades will judge you based on your conduct on this earth and decide the punishment you deserve.

I hope that helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again Jennifer!
Your answers cleared up a lot, but now I have more questions!
1.  I know that Confucius believed in heaven, so was he a Taoist and then developed his own ideas on the way to live a good life?
2.  I know you told me that Taoists are polytheistic, but do they have one major God over all, like the Hindus’ Brahman?
3.  In Taoism they believe in immortality.  What do they mean by immortality, physically or spiritually?  If it is spiritually then why did one man live to be 800 years old?  And if it is physically, then why do the believers eventually die?  
4.  I also know that they try for longevity of life.  Is this seen as a reward for doing good things?  Or is this the reward for being one with the Tao?
5.  In Taoism they also try to emulate the non-action and pure intentions of animals.  Does this mean that they think that animals are sacred or gods?
Thank you for your help!
Sarah


Answer
Hi Sarah,

1. Chinese folk religions believed in the existence of heaven. People also worship the ground as their deity. My personal take is that Taoism evolved from Chinese folk religion. His belief that heaven exists would be very common among Chinese then.

2. Yes, Taoist have one major God overall, and that is the King of Heavens. However, unlike Hinduism, Taoists usually pray to many gods at one time. For Hinduism, sometimes the devotees pray specifically more to a certain deity.

3. There are many sects of Taoism and I'm not sure about the sect you are talking about. Taoism speaks more about going to hell and incarnation, and usually not immortality.

4. Longevity of life is seen as a blessing from God. It certainly ties in very much with the culture. Longevity allows one to enjoy the later years of one's life and spend time with his/her grandchildren.

5. Yes, Taoism believes that some animals are sacred. An example of the deity they worship is the monkey god.

Hope it helps.