Confucius is a genius, great thinker and philosopher of Ancient China. What did the Chinese sage Confucius teach?

Background

China is located in East Asia. In the first millennium BC, the Chinese settled the entire Great Plain of China between the Yellow and Yangtze rivers. In the 2nd millennium BC. e. The first states arose in the valleys of the Yellow and Yangtze rivers. In the first millennium BC. e. there were several states here that were at war with each other.

Events

551-479 BC.- the years of the life of the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius (Kun Futsi - the venerable teacher Kun), the founder of Confucianism.

The teachings of Confucius were based on the fact that he...

He considered it important to follow traditions and observe long-established rituals (Confucius said: “I imitate the ancient times, and do not compose”).
believed that elders should be respected. Little brothers must show respect to elders, children to parents, inferiors to superiors. Confucius compared the state to big family, in which the subjects treat the ruler as a father. The ruler must educate and instruct his subjects (Confucius condemned executions and cruel punishments).
believed that ancient wisdom was expressed in books. A book in ancient China was a bunch of planks made of split bamboo. The Chinese wrote hieroglyphs on such tablets from top to bottom.
considered it necessary to follow the rules of behavior: take off your shoes before entering the house, sit with your heels tucked under you, and eat with two chopsticks.

The Chinese believed in supernatural beings (spirits, gods, winged serpents - dragons); they considered Heaven to be the highest being. The cult of ancestors was widespread in China.

Conclusion

Confucius laid the foundations of Confucianism, which became one of the main philosophical and religious movements in China. During the era of the Qin Empire, followers of Confucius were persecuted (see lesson), but already from the 2nd century. BC. Confucianism becomes a state ideology that laid the foundations for the uniqueness of Chinese civilization and way of life.

China is located in East Asia. The great rivers of China, the Yangtze and Yellow River, are similar to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. They are very stormy, carry a lot of silt and sand, and often overflow suddenly, destroying dams and washing away soil from fields. The development of the valleys of these rivers began around 2000 BC. e. in the middle reaches of the Yellow River. Later, around 1700 BC. e., the first states arose here, the rulers of which were often at enmity with each other. But the inhabitants of all these states considered themselves one people, because they had a single culture and similar customs. In today's lesson we will get acquainted with the traditions and customs of Ancient China and learn about the fate of the great Chinese thinker Confucius.

Like other peoples, the Chinese believed in supernatural beings: gods, spirits, monsters, winged serpents - dragons. But the highest being for them was Heaven. They considered Heaven to be the ancestor of the ruler, therefore the king in China was called the “Son of Heaven”, and the country subordinate to him was called the “Celestial Empire”.

The sage Confucius (Fig. 1), who was highly revered in China, spoke about the customs of the ancient Chinese.

Rice. 1. Confucius ()

Confucius was born in the east of the country, in the principality of Lu, into a noble but impoverished family. His father was a brave officer. By the time of Confucius's birth, last son, he was 70 years old, and two years later he died. The family was poor, and Confucius began to work early, mastering various crafts. He was strong in body and tall, distinguished by his curiosity and hard work. In his youth he received the position of overseer of barns and state lands. People often turned to him for advice. Gradually he turned into a teacher, in particular, a music teacher. The name given to him at birth - Kun Qiu - was changed by grateful students to Kun Futsi, which means “Reverend Teacher Kun”. (The Latinized form, Confucius, became established in Europe.) He traveled throughout China and was respected for his extensive knowledge. Returning to his homeland, Confucius, already in adulthood, was appointed governor of the city, and then became the supreme judge of the principality. Despite the fact that his business was going well, he resigned and went on his travels again. According to legend, he had 3 thousand students, 12 of whom were with him constantly. At times he was in mortal danger, but he never lost courage and calm. He spent his last years in his homeland and died under the shade of trees on the bank of a quiet river. He left no notes. The sayings of Confucius were recorded by his students and followers (Fig. 2).

Rice. 2. Sayings of Confucius

The teachings of Confucius have come to us in the form of ancient Chinese books written on narrow tablets made of split bamboo. A thin brush or stick was dipped in black ink and hieroglyphs were applied from top to bottom. If they made a mistake, they scraped off what was written with a knife. Then holes were made in the planks and string was threaded through. The bundle of bamboo was an ancient Chinese book (Fig. 3).

Rice. 3. Ancient Chinese books ()

A learned Chinese had to memorize thousands of hieroglyphs that denoted individual words. Just as in Egyptian writing, in China hieroglyphs originated from drawings, and sometimes in their form one can still guess the original image.

Confucius saw the rational organization of society in the preservation of traditions: “If you do not observe anciently established rituals, or even more so abolish them, then everything will get mixed up and discord will ensue.” He himself perceived rituals not as a means to appease the gods, but as an element of self-discipline and order.

Confucius believed that a well-mannered person can be easily recognized by his behavior. Before entering the house, a polite Chinese man took off his shoes and walked barefoot. Walking in shoes on mats spread on the floor was considered simply indecent. The Chinese sat either on the same mat or on a low seat, but always with their heels tucked under them. Only completely ill-mannered people could sit with their legs dangling, much less stretching them forward. Already in ancient times, the Chinese mastered the art of eating with two chopsticks. They continue this custom to this day.

The ancient Chinese created complex hairstyles on their heads, collecting their hair in a bun. They considered those who walked with their hair down to be savages. Usually the Chinese wore a robe; ordinary people had robe made from cheap material. Noble rich people dressed in silk robes, with beautiful embroidery with flowers and figures of dragons (Fig. 4).

Rice. 4. Traditional clothes and hairstyles ()

Confucius taught that not only in the family, but throughout the state, order should be maintained in relations between elders and younger ones. A well-mannered Chinese is polite to everyone, he is not rude to those who are lower in position, and does not curry favor with those who are higher. But he behaves with those and with others, knowing his place well - with the elders respectfully, and with the younger ones favorably. Confucius taught that the state is like a large family. Subjects must respect the ruler as a father. But Confucius also advised rulers to treat their subjects as their children. A wise ruler does not torment people with harsh punishments, but patiently educates them - first of all, by his example. Cruelty does not suit a ruler at all; fatherly instruction is enough. “To execute someone instead of guiding him on the true path is inhumane,” said Confucius.

Bibliography

A.A. Vigasin, G.I. Goder, I.S. Sventsitskaya. Ancient world history. 5th grade - M.: Education, 2006.
Nemirovsky A.I. History reading book ancient world. - M.: Education, 1991.

Bibliotekar.ru ()
Sch714-china.narod.ru ()
Newacropol.ru ()

Homework

Locate Ancient China.
What rules of decency should a well-bred Chinese man observe?
How were the Chinese supposed to treat the rulers, and how were the rulers supposed to treat the common people?
How is Chinese writing similar to the writing of other ancient states? What is the difference?

Abstract to methodological development.

teacher of history and social studies of the educational educational institution "Secondary school in the village of Oktyabrsky Gorodok" in the village of Karamyshka

The purpose of this lesson: to form an idea of the life of Chinese society, the philosophical teachings of Confucius, using active forms of learning and information technology. Designed for 5th grade students.

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Separate division Branch of the municipal educational institution "Secondary comprehensive school the village of Oktyabrsky town" in the village of Karamyshka

Abstract open lesson on History of the Ancient World

What did he teach? chinese sage Confucius

5th grade

Prepared by: Gavrilova Elena Alekseevna

history and social studies teacher

2012

Lesson topic: Plague was taught by the Chinese sage Confucius.

“Learn! For life always reminds us that all our knowledge is not enough. When a person stops learning, he may lose what he learned before.”

Confucius.

Target: to form an idea of the life of Chinese society, the philosophical teachings of Confucius, using active forms of learning and information technology.

Tasks:

Cognitive tasks:

mastering a system of theoretical knowledge: main events, historical figures And practical knowledge kart;
formation of a historical approach to events;
creating conditions for adequate assessment of learning outcomes and self-esteem among 5th grade students

Developmental tasks:

development creative thinking students;
development of independence;
development of abilities to analyze, systematize and generalize historical facts and events;
development of ability to use information technologies in the learning process.

Educational task:

nurturing students’ interest in the culture of the countries of the Ancient East and people’s respect for each other.

Key learning outcomes:

Students, getting acquainted with the basics of Confucianism, gain experience and form ideas about ancient civilizations and the forms and rules of human interaction.
Practicing the skill of working with a map (emphasis on marking historical sites on the map);
Mastering the technology of problem-based learning educational material. Analyzing, systematizing and summarizing historical facts and events proved the problem posed at the beginning of the lesson “China - amazing, wise, unique”;
Formation of skills in working with various sources of information (textbook, reference books, Internet resources) Students prepare their own reports on a new topic (advanced learning);
Express survey, in the form test task used at the end of the lesson optimizes testing of learning material new topic and motivates students to work with electronic textbooks

Structure: lesson learning new material.

Control and evaluation system:

a) frontal work, survey;
b) express survey;
c) self-control

Equipment:

Computer, presentation
History textbook for grade 5 (authors Vigasin A.A., Goder G.I., Sventsitskaya I.S. year of publication - 2000)
Handout

Board design:

Great Chinese Plain, Yellow River, Yangtze River, sayings of the Chinese sage Confucius, image of the god Brahma, bamboo book, hieroglyph.

Before the lesson, the guys receive tasks: prepare messages (for 1 minute) on the topics: “The Great Chinese Plain”, “Yang He River”, “Yangtze River”, “Sage Confucius”

DURING THE CLASSES

Stage I. Organizing time

Stage II. Updating basic knowledge on the topic: “Ancient India”

On the board is a table and an image of the god Brahma. Students need to fill in the missing elements in the table.

Students work using cards (time limit: 5 minutes)

India is separated from the mainland by the highest _________________________ mountains.

The coasts of India from the west, east and south are washed by the waters of the ______________________ ocean.

The most abundant rivers in India are ______________________ and ______________________.

According to the beliefs of the ancient Indians, God ______________________ created people from different parts of your body.

In India they grew ______________________, ______________________, ______________________.

______________________ is a group of people with certain rights and responsibilities.

The main rivers of China are ___________ and _____________.

The famous Chinese sage was ____________________.

Guys, did you all complete the task? (No)

Why do you think? (We don't know who the Chinese sage was)

Let's try to formulate what we will talk about in class today?

(Formulate the topic of the lesson)

Open your notebooks, write down the date and topic of the lesson.

Slide No. 1 “What the Chinese sage Confucius taught”
Stage III. Learning a new topic

In previous lessons we got acquainted with religious beliefs ancient Indians. We looked at the various castes that existed in society. But what the Chinese sage Confucius taught and why China is called unique, wise and amazing, we will find out today in class

1.Formulation of the problem

slide No. 2 “China – unique, wise, amazing”

But before we talk about the Chinese sage Confucius, we first need to find out about the country in which he lived.

2. Working with the map

slide number 3 map // messages sound (each message is no more than 2 minutes) from the guys about

Great Chinese Plain slide number 4
Yellow River slides No. 5-6
Yangtze River slides No. 7-8
Sage Confucius slides No. 9-10 // work with the word "sage"»

Guys, now count what year Confucius died and mark the dates of his life on the time line.
In what century was Confucius born and in what century did he die? Died 479 BC

slide number 2

Presentation of new material

The ancient sage Confucius spoke about the customs of the ancient Chinese

– Confucius taught: “A well-mannered man is easily recognized by his manners.” slide No. 11 // working with the word "manners".
– Explain how you understand the word “manners.”(Manner is a habitual way of action for a given person; one or another feature of behavior).
– A polite Chinese man took off his shoes before entering the house and walked barefootslides No. 12-13 (at home)
– Walking in shoes on mats spread on the floor was considered simply indecent.
– Explain how you understand the word “mat.”(Mat is a carpet woven from reeds) slide No. 14 // work with the word “mats”
“The Chinese sat either on a mat or on a low seat, but always with their heels tucked under them. Only completely ill-mannered people could sit with their legs dangling, much less stretching them forward.
slide number 15
– Much attention was paid appearance person. Ancient Chinese men wore hairstyles made from long hair, which were placed in tight buns on the crown of the head. Above the forehead, on the temples and on the back of the head, the hair was carefully smoothed. The knot was secured with a pin (reminiscent of a “bump”). Women's hairstyles were very complex, but gave the impression of lightness, they were decorated with flowers, and on holidays their hairstyles were decorated with precious stones.
slide No. 16
– Usually the Chinese wore a robe. Ordinary people wore them from cheap material, while noble and rich Chinese dressed in silk robes decorated with expensive and beautiful embroidery. A dragon was embroidered on the emperor's clothes - a symbol of divinity.

Return to the problem: “China is unique, wise, amazing” slide number 2

– The way of life of the Chinese people is subject to discipline, order, respect and veneration for elders and younger ones. slides No. 17-18
– What does this wisdom teach?

4. Conscious independent reading by students of the textbook text slide No. 19

– How do you understand the wisdom of Confucius?
Reading the text of the textbook (author Vigasin A.A., Goder G.I., Sventsitskaya I.S.) pp. 100-101
Paragraph 2 “The highest virtue is respect for elders”
– How were the elders in the family treated?
– Now you don’t have to answer me, but answer yourself – how do you feel about your parents?
– There is an expression: “Everything comes from the family.” Explain why?
slide number 20

Now let’s turn to paragraph 3 “Wisdom is in the knowledge of ancient books”
– Remember, the king, of which state, during wars of conquest, took away books in addition to jewelry?
slide number 21
– What does the Chinese wisdom say: “Wisdom is in the knowledge of ancient books”?
– What is shown on the slide?

Teacher's message "Bamboo Book of Ancient China"

Chinese characters

More than 3.5 thousand years ago, the Chinese created their own writing. They wrote in hieroglyphs. Using a special brush or stick, hieroglyphs were applied from top to bottom onto silk fabric or strips of bamboo.

There were about 50 thousand characters in Chinese writing.

Art was highly valued calligraphy – beautiful writing of hieroglyphs.

Students had to take a very large number of exams. But those students who learned to read, write and count in ancient China could count on a decent and well-off financially. Because they could occupy a very prestigious official position. slide number 22
slide number 23

– Writing instruments, despite their apparent simplicity, were very expensive. They wrote with brushes, dipping them in ink made from ash.

In previous lessons we have already become acquainted with various types writing and learned that the writing of the Phoenicians was the simplest, but what is the writing of the ancient Chinese, I suggest you find out and try to write on ancient bamboo books using hieroglyphs.

Questions:

Guys, do you think it was easy to learn to read and write in ancient China?
How much time is needed for this? Why?

(Sample answer:In ancient China, learning to read and write took long years because remembering 50 thousand hieroglyphs was very difficult and difficult.

Students try to write using hieroglyphs and find out that the writing of the ancient Chinese is very complex.

Return to the problem: “China is unique, wise, amazing”slide number 2
slide number 24, slide No. 25
– Like other peoples, the Chinese believed in supernatural powers– gods, spirits, dragons living in rivers or mountains. But the highest being for the ancient Chinese was Heaven. According to their ideas, Heaven is the ancestor of the ruler, so the emperor in China was called “Son of Heaven”, and the lands subordinate to him were called the Celestial Empire.

Return to the problem: “China is unique, wise, amazing” slide number 2

The ancient Chinese made many important discoveries and inventions that people still use today.

Writing based on hieroglyphs

Invention of paper slide 26

In the 1st century BC. Paper was invented in China. It was made from hemp, silk combs, and plant fibers (bamboo). This whole mass was soaked or boiled, and then placed in molds. Then the sheets were pressed and dried on a heated wall. This material was quite suitable for writing and very cheap. Later, in the 8th century, they learned to make impressions with wooden planks, on which a design or text was carved and painted. This is how printing first appeared. In the 11th century The Chinese invented collapsible font

Observing sunspots, the Chinese compiled a map of the starry sky.

Invention of porcelain slide 27

In the VI century. BC e. Chinese craftsmen invented porcelain, from which they began to make cups and beautiful vases. Before the vessel was sculpted, porcelain clay was buried in the ground for several decades. China was very beautiful and very expensive. It was sold for its weight in gold. The production of porcelain was kept secret.

A compass, a mechanical water clock, and an instrument for predicting earthquakes.

Compass slide 28

This wonderful item was also invented in China. The Chinese already knew in ancient times that a magnet attracts iron. They knew the property of a magnet - to indicate the direction of north and south. The Chinese compass was a long-handled spoon made of magnetized iron. The spoon was placed on a smooth wooden or bronze stand with divisions, spun it, and it stopped, pointing one side to the south and the other to the north. In ancient times, the compass was not known to any people. Except the Chinese. The compass was used during trips along the Great Silk Road.

Architecture - construction of temples, multi-story palaces with multi-tiered roofs.

Growing tea slide 29

The Chinese were the first to learn how to grow tea bushes and prepare tea. From them the tea bush came to the countries Western Europe and to us. The word "tea" in Chinese means "young leaf".

And in ancient Chinese poetry there are references to tea:

Heard through the sound of running water
somewhere a spinning wheel is knocking.
A bridge under the arch of spring foliage,
The time for flowers has passed.
Suddenly the most wonderful aroma
the wind blew from behind the mountains.
This is in a village near the pass
midday tea is being prepared.

(Gao Qi)

– In order to check how you understood today’s material, I suggest taking a test slide No. 26-30

Stage IV. Lesson summary

China is a country where everything is unique, wise, amazing! Everything in this country is majestic and amazing: the Great Chinese Plain, the Yellow and Yangtze rivers. The Chinese nation has a long history and a brilliant culture. The Chinese people have developed and raised such wonderful traditional features character, such as hard work, courage, simplicity and kindness.

And now, to characterize your attitude towards China, towards its ancient wisdom, continue the statement: “China is a country………”

Students answer.

V stage. Reflection

- Guys, what new did you learn in class today?

What's interestnig?

Did you like today's lesson?

Stage VI. Homework

Paragraph 22, answer questions
Based additional literature, Internet resources, prepare reports about one of the Chinese discoveries that are used today (gunpowder, Chinese calendar, Chinese medicine etc.).
Draw a picture

Like other peoples, the Chinese believed in supernatural beings: gods, spirits, monsters, winged serpents - dragons. But the highest being for them was Heaven. They considered Heaven to be the ancestor of the ruler, so the king in China was called the “Son of Heaven”, and the country subordinate to him was called the “Celestial Empire”.

The sage Confucius (Fig. 1), who was very revered in China, spoke about the customs of the ancient Chinese.

Rice. 1. Confucius

Confucius was born in the east of the country, in the principality of Lu, into a noble but impoverished family. His father was a brave officer. At the time of the birth of Confucius, his last son, he was 70 years old, and he died two years later. The family was poor, and Confucius began to work early, mastering various crafts. He was strong in body and tall, distinguished by his curiosity and hard work. In his youth he received the position of overseer of barns and state lands. People often turned to him for advice. Gradually he turned into a teacher, in particular, a music teacher. The name given to him at birth, Kun Qiu, was changed by grateful students to Kun Futsi, which means “Reverend Teacher Kun.” (The Latinized form, Confucius, became established in Europe.) He traveled throughout China and was respected for his extensive knowledge. Returning to his homeland, Confucius, already in adulthood, was appointed governor of the city, and then became the supreme judge of the principality. Despite the fact that his business was going well, he resigned and went on his travels again. According to legend, he had 3 thousand students, 12 of whom were with him constantly.

At times he was in mortal danger, but he never lost courage and calm. He spent his last years in his homeland and died under the shade of trees on the bank of a quiet river. He left no notes. The sayings of Confucius were recorded by his students and followers (Fig. 2).

Rice. 2. Sayings of Confucius

The teachings of Confucius have come to us in the form of ancient Chinese books written on narrow tablets made of split bamboo. A thin brush or stick was dipped in black ink and hieroglyphs were applied from top to bottom. If they made a mistake, they scraped off what they had written with a knife. Then holes were made in the planks and string was threaded through. The bundle of bamboo was an ancient Chinese book (Fig. 3).

Rice. 3. Ancient Chinese books

The ancient Chinese created complex hairstyles on their heads, collecting their hair in a bun. They considered those who walked with their hair down to be savages. Usually the Chinese wore a robe; ordinary people had robes made of cheap material. Noble rich people dressed in silk robes, with beautiful embroidery with flowers and figures of dragons (Fig. 4).

Rice. 4. Traditional clothing and hairstyles

Confucius taught that not only in the family, but throughout the state, order should be maintained in relations between elders and younger ones. A well-mannered Chinese is polite to everyone, he is not rude to those who are lower in position, and does not curry favor with those who are higher. But he behaves with those and with others, knowing his place well - with the elders respectfully, and with the younger ones favorably. Confucius taught that the state is like a large family. Subjects must respect the ruler as a father. But Confucius also advised rulers to treat their subjects as their children. A wise ruler does not torment people with harsh punishments, but patiently educates them - first of all, by his example. Cruelty does not suit a ruler at all; fatherly guidance is sufficient. “To execute someone instead of guiding him on the true path is inhumane,” said Confucius.

Confucius (in Chinese his name sounds different: Kung Fu-tzu) was an extraordinary person. Without it, it is impossible to imagine the history of the Celestial Empire, which is why scientists even call Chinese civilization (though of a later period - the Middle Ages) Confucian. And the fate of the philosopher was unusual.

Confucius was born in the middle of the 6th century BC. in a family of impoverished aristocrats. His childhood and youth were spent in hardships and hard labor. However, Confucius had enough time and energy to study ancient smart books. At the age of 20, after many humiliations, he managed to become an official, and 10 years later he resigned and opened a private school, becoming the first professional teacher in Chinese history. They say that Confucius had about 3 thousand students. For 20 years the sage taught classes and at the same time created his teaching - a program for the improvement of society and man. When he turned 50, he decided that it was time to move from words to action, and, like Shang Yan, he went to travel around the country, offering his projects to the rulers of the kingdoms. But, unlike Shang Yang, Confucius was unlucky: no one was interested in his philosophy. Returning home, he spent the rest of his life in peace and quiet: he studied with his students and wrote new works. In 479 BC. the sage died.

Confucius, surrounded by his students, studies one of the oldest Chinese works - the fortune-telling “Book of Changes”.

Recognition and glory came several centuries later. Only in the 1st century AD, during the Han Dynasty, the teachings of Confucius became something like an official religion, and the philosopher himself was deified - sacrifices were even made in his honor, and all educated people memorized his books.

How to explain such a fabulous success of the teachings of Confucius? Maybe, main reason the fact that he looked with different eyes at man and his role in the world, at the state and the relationship between the authorities and the people.
Confucius dreamed of resurrecting the “golden age” with its ideal society, like one big family. Children, but there are people, obey their elders, that is, the authorities, and they lead and take care of their charges. But most importantly, love and mutual trust reign in such a family. Consent is achieved not by coercion or intimidation, but by the fact that everyone honestly fulfills their duties of their own free will. Humanity, justice, devotion, wisdom and decent behavior - this is what the well-being of the state rests on.

Shang Yang and especially Shi Huang would not agree with Confucius. How to keep the people in obedience without cruel punishments? - they would ask. Confucius had his own point of view on this. “If the personal behavior of those at the top is correct, things go ahead, although they do not give orders,” he said. “If the personal behavior of those at the top is incorrect, then, although they order, the people do not obey.” This means that the main reason for all the troubles is that the ruler, his associates and officials themselves break the laws, are lazy and enrich themselves at the expense of others. Why shouldn't the people behave the same way? And how can the people trust such a ruler? And the state, no matter how powerful it may seem, cannot survive without trust. Confucius believed that it was better to survive a war or famine than to lose the trust of the people.

The philosopher made special demands on officials. This is understandable: unlike the emperor and the courtiers, they constantly communicate with ordinary people, collect taxes, conduct cases in court. The well-being of the people largely depends on them. Officials must be “noble men” - educated, deeply moral, selfless.
The exemplary official of Confucius was like a handsome prince or knight. This is probably why the favorite heroes of Chinese fairy tales were not characters like Cinderella or Ivan the Fool, but poor people who, thanks to their merits, become good officials.