Confucianism+Beliefs

__**Confucianism Beliefs **__

**Purpose of Life** The Confucian belief is that the purpose of life is to reach the highest potential as a human being. Through a laborious process of self-development one may become a "perfected person." One should focus on doing the right things in life because Heaven and the Afterlife are beyond human capacity of understanding. Due to this belief, Confucius said that human morals should be based on human relationships.

**Evil** Evil and suffering are inevitable in life, but the experiences can promote growth and learning. A mistake is not a “sin,” it is another opportunity to grow and learn. Empathy for those suffering also provides moral growth, but not all humans are capable of empathy.

**Sacred Time** There is no specific "sacred time" other than daily life. Confucianism encourages ritual, as it is believed that ritual solidifies human social bonds; thus, ritual leads ordinary time and life to be sacred.

These beliefs would improve our society. Everyone would be focused on doing the right things, learning from their mistakes, and living everyday as "sacred." Confucianism focuses on life, unlike Buddhism which focuses on death. Buddhists spend their life working towards fortunate reincarnation and reaching nirvana. Confucianists spend their life being the best person they can be and learning to be content with where they are. Confucianists only hope to become a "perfected person" by the end of their life, they do not work towards their afterlife. This is healthier for society. Since Confucianists do not focus on redemption, they will make the better decisions everyday. The other philosphies that believe in redemption allow followers to make a bad choice, as long as the make up for it. Confucianism would influence better decisions in people because their life is there focus causing a safer, happier, and all together better society.