StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Confucius and Ptahhotep - Assignment Example

Cite this document
Summary
This is because Confucius believed death was not the standard by which an individual’s way of life on earth was measured. He believed in the eternity of the soul and in the existence of the deceased beyond the grave. He…
Download free paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER93.4% of users find it useful
Confucius and Ptahhotep
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Confucius and Ptahhotep"

Question Confucianism and death Confucian doctrines did not focus on life after death. This is because Confucius believed death was not the standard by which an individual’s way of life on earth was measured. He believed in the eternity of the soul and in the existence of the deceased beyond the grave. He believed that human beings comprehended far too little about life on earth and as such there was no need to waste it planning the thereafter they understood even less.According to Kaizuka, Shigeki, the Confucian thereafter does not include a realm of eternal reward for those who die in a state of righteousness.

His heaven is but a name for the highest spiritual presence known to man. Confucius believed in the retribution of the individual’s soul which continues to live in another form once it is separated from the body at death. He believed that in death, the body and the soul are separated but the soul continues to exist in another form and is punished for sins committed while the body and soul were united. Vertical retribution means the punishment an individual for the sins of their father in the world but the retribution of the soul after death refers to the punishment an individual for the sins they committed when alive.

Confucius taught that life and death were the responsibility of the society and that life and death were determined by fate while wealth and nobleness are determined by “heaven”, thus his emphasis on life rather than death.Comparison between approach to death in Confucian philosophy and in Egyptian In ancient Egypt, religion guided each aspect of life and it was based on polytheism with two chief gods; Amon-Ra who was the sun-god and lord of the universe and Osiris who was the god of the underworld.

Osiris was believed to be responsible for a peaceful afterlife and the idea of immortality was associated with him. Unlike the Confucian philosophy whose focus was on life rather than death, Egyptian religion revolved around the afterlife and Egyptians devoted a lot of time and wealth to prepare for the life after death. To Egyptians, death was a transition towards a better life in the next world where they believed they would reach their full potential. Each person was thought to have three (3) souls; the “ka”, the “ba” and the “akh”.

For these souls to function properly, it was essential for the body to remain intact after death. As such, belief in rebirth was the focus in funeral rites whereby the dead were mummified (to preserve the body) and buried in a decorated coffin together with useful items they would need in the next life like furniture, food, jewelry etc. Further, a ritual called “opening of the mouth” whose purpose was enable the deceased to talk and eat again and to have the full use of the body was done and the tomb sealed.

In Confucianism, ancestor worship was the core element in spiritual life and what happens after death was less important as compared to the living fulfilling their obligation to the dead.Question 2Similar attributes in human nature Confucius and Ptahhotep1. Self ControlBoth Confucian and Ptahhotep taught that human beings should practice self-control with Confucius asking them to be mindful of the direction of their sight, hearing and speech and Ptahhotep teaching that one should not be a gossiper nor should they covet nor steal.2. Morality Emphasis was on moral uprightness with Ptahhotep teaching against stealing, to treat their wives well, to respect the elders and the leaders and not to be quarrelsome.

He warned them against pride and encouraged generosity. Confucius advocated for good conduct socially and proper social relationships with emphasize on self discipline. A meaningful life is whereby one develops one’s innate moral potential to the fullest while fulfilling all of their social obligations. He argues that humans are born innately good but require nurturing and self cultivation to reach the highest potential and discipline.3. Righteousness Ptahhotep advises against the vice of greed, and advises his son to be humble and respectful to the elders.

Confucius advised his followers to be empathetic to other people suffering as empathy is what is unique to human beings. Confucius taught his followers to practice jen which is can be explained as love, goodness, humanity and human heartedness.

Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(Confucius and Ptahhotep Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words, n.d.)
Confucius and Ptahhotep Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words. https://studentshare.org/literature/1810556-confucius-and-ptahhotep
(Confucius and Ptahhotep Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 Words)
Confucius and Ptahhotep Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 Words. https://studentshare.org/literature/1810556-confucius-and-ptahhotep.
“Confucius and Ptahhotep Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 Words”. https://studentshare.org/literature/1810556-confucius-and-ptahhotep.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Confucius and Ptahhotep

The Analects of Confucius

Book One is not arranged in any coherent order, but rather is a compilation of words by confucius and by his prominent disciples.... confucius is a Latinized form of Kong Fuzi, which literally means Kong the Master, or Master Kong. confucius was more concerned with the moral character of the… confucius wanted to apply his teachings to practical, everyday life, that is why he served in office so that he can advise the rulers of the clan as to the proper way of However, he seemed to have not achieved that because of the corruption that governed the lives of the rulers at the time....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Confucius ( type of essay is for Literature)

But by When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them” (confucius, The Analects, part He acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions” (confucius, The Analects, part 1).... What you do not like when done to yourself, do not do to others” (confucius, The Doctrine of the Mean, par.... ??It never has been the case that what was of great importance has been slightly cared for, and, at the same time, that what was of slight importance has been greatly cared for” (confucius, The Great Learning, par....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

The Confucian Relationship of Parent and Child

nbsp;  Running head: confucius confucius s confucius The Confucian text presents two contrasting images of mothers.... The author of the essay states that the Confucian text presents two contrasting images of the mothers.... The character of a mother as depicted in the first part of the text i....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

Analects of Confucius

That acting according to our humanity confucius confucius Introduction confucius, in his exposition was concerned with the opening of educationto all, with emphasis on character building rather than vocational training.... Analects of confucius....
1 Pages (250 words) Essay

The Moral Teachings Included In the Lunyu and Their Validity in Modern Society

While they influence the culture of the people, they have considerable influence on the politics of the people.... It is important to understand that culture, beliefs and… The socially acceptable way of doing things takes a long time before people regard to it as their culture.... As culture is an acceptable way of doing things, which people consider as their norms, the reality is that for this to One of the most significant ancient readings that have considerable impact on the Chinese people is the Lunyu (analects)....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

Confucianism Is a Principled and Philosophical System

The elements of both ethical and philosophy acquired from the Confucian are regarded as Confucian elements.... These elements comprise of moral, political… Confucian elements have an aim of inculcating virtues and develop morals among people.... Examples of foundations regarded as Confucian elements Confucian Elements Confucian is a principled and philosophical system developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher named Confucian....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

The Advantage of Treating Others Wisely

This is because, once a person leads by virtue, he will remain like a polestar, around which the other stars will be revolving respectfully (confucius, 1355).... Respect is by far is the most valuable aspect of the relationship between people, considering that people can fill the duties that they are supposed to perform for their families and their parents, but where such people are just being dutiful yet having no respect, there simply will be no difference between feeding their parents and feeding their horses or dogs confucius, 1355)....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Confucious and the golden rule

Arguably, if Christians were to live in line with confucius and the Golden Rule confucius and the Golden Rule Similar to Confucianism, Jesus' teaching on the golden role does not encourage people to be good to others, but simply not to be bad to them.... From this point of view, confucius' golden rule is a negative version of Jesus' golden rule, which was, “Therefore all things… This clear difference with Confucianism is that Jesus' golden rule needs positive deeds done to others....
1 Pages (250 words) Assignment
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us