Confucianism

Comparing Religions is a next-generation textbook which expertly guides, inspires, and challenges those who wish to think seriously about religious pluralism in the modern world.

PART 1: Ideas and Values -- Some Polarities in Confucian Thought / Benjamin Schwartz -- PART 2: Institutions -- An Analysis of Chinese Clan Rules: Confucian Theories in Action / Hui-chen Wang Liu -- Confucianism and the Chinese Censorial System / Charles O. Hucker -- PART 3: Arts and Letters -- Confucian Elements in the Theory of Painting / James F. Cahill -- T'ang Literati: A Composite Biography Hans H. Frankel -- Traditional Heroes in Chinese Popular Fiction / Robert Ruhlmann -- PART 4: Men and Power -- Sui Yang-Ti: Personality and Stereotype / Arthur F. Wright -- Feng Tao: An Essay on Confucian Loyalty / Gung-wu Wang -- From Myth to Myth: The Case of Yueh Fei's Biography / Hellmut Wilhelm -- PART 5: Protest and Dissent -- Protest Against Conventions and Conventions of Protest / David S. Nivison -- Confucian Eremitism in the Yuan Period / Frederick W. Mote -- PART 6: A Tradition's End -- The Suggestiveness of Vestiges: Confucianism and Monarchy at the Last / Joseph R. Levenson

There have been many introductions to Confucianism on conventional lines, in which can be found details of the lives of the Master and his successors, with accounts of his teaching and the literature of the School. The pages that follow represent an attempt to give, not a description, but an impression of Confucianism by selecting certain facets of it, which have a special significance or interest, and bringing them each, as it were, to a point of focus.

First published in 1931. This re-issues the edition of 1972. This translation and Wilhelm's invaluable commentaries provide a concise and readable survey of Confucius, the man and his teachings. This volume translates The Life of Confucius from an ancient Chinese text, the Shih Chi, or The Historical Records by Sse-Ma Ch'ien, dating from the turn of the second century B.C.

A brief and enlightening exploration of the philosopher's life and ideas is presented in an entertaining and accessible fashion.

Reflecting on the legacy of four great religious figures, this book places each in their historical context, offers glimpses of what they were like personally, assesses how they saved their followers from confusion, and traces each religious tradition after its founder's death.

Presents biographies of the historical figures credited with founding the five world religions, chronicling what is actually known about the charismatic figures, and introduces the cultural and religious worlds that heard their messages.

Insightful compilation of the teachings of the great Chinese philosopher and social reformer. Filled with insights hit the modern reader.