Before leaving Beijing, we had to see the Confucian Temple. If China is noted for anything, it’s the sayings of Confucius. Other than that, probably few non-Chinese could tell you much about him. It is said that he was born on August 27, 551 B.C.E. to his father’s sixteen-year-old concubine and named K’ung Fu-tsu, about 380 miles north of Beijing. His father’s family is said to have rejected him and forced his mother to flee to another village, where they lived a meager existence in poverty.
He learned to read and took every opportunity to learn everything that could be learned. Eventually, he rose through the ranks to a high government position and used his position to stamp out corruption. He convinced the ruler to allow education for everyone, at a time when it was restricted to only those of noble birth. He insisted that everyone should, to the extent they were able, contribute to the common good. He also insisted that all the very young and the old and frail be given free food. His reforms earned him many enemies from the noble class.
Eventually his enemies successfully plotted to have him removed. He left with a number of disciples, traveling widely and teaching everywhere he went. He tried many times to get another powerful government position, but never managed to hold such a position long enough to institute many reforms, although his reputation as a good administrator was widely admired.
Finally, at the age of 73, he died in 479 B.C.E. thinking himself a failure, for not having brought peace to China and overcoming the suffering of the Chinese people. Confucius had instituted the “Golden Rule.” He taught, “What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.” He believed that only by loving others, even your enemies, could you secure a real peace and lasting prosperity. As time went on, his many followers spread his teachings throughout China. Confucius is China’s most famous philosopher and teacher.
The temple honoring him is the second largest Confucian Temple in China. It was originally built in 1302 C.E. and twice enlarged by the Ming and Qing dynasties. It sits close to the Imperial Academy. One hundred and ninety-eight stone tablets are positioned inside the courtyard with the names of 51,624 advanced scholars. One of the buildings is a museum showing and explaining the details of Confucius’s life.
Outside are ancient cypress trees and large columns with the sayings of Confucius inscribed on them. Both his life and teachings are inspiring.
This was the last of our siteseeing in Beijing. We left on the slow train to Xi-an, the old capitol, at 9:17 p.m. We didn’t arrive until 10:20 a.m. the next day and were very tired. Sue, Steve, Fran, and I resolved not to take any more slow trains!
