Confucianism is a moral and religious system of China. It is a philosophical system that is also considered one of the world’s religions. It is a complex system of moral, social, political and philosophical thought, developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher and educator Confucius. It might be considered a state religion of some East Asian countries due to governmental promotion of Confucian philosophies.
Confucianism is essentially a philosophy of life not a religion like Hinduism, although many people also consider it a religion. In its early form, Confucianism was primarily a system of ethical precepts for the proper management of society.

The basic teachings of Confucianism stress the importance of moral development of the individual. It aims at making not simply the man of virtue but the man of learning and good manners. The perfect man must combine the qualities of a saint, scholar, gentleman etc. Confucianism originated in China but has spread in Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Most people who follow the teachings of Confucius, they also follow Chinese traditional religion which is a blending of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and traditional local practices.

Confucianism is a code of conduct and had a tremendous impact on how the Chinese live their lives. Some people consider that Confucianism is not a religion in reality because Confucius was a philosopher, moralist, statesman and educationist. According to them, the thoughts and teachings of Confucius are ethical philosophy, political and educational but not religious philosophy.

The Chinese sage, Confucius has been regarded by countless generations as the great moral teacher of the region and social philosopher, whose teachings deeply influenced Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese thought and life. Confucius is the Latinized name of Kung Fu Tzu, which is sometimes also spelled as Kong Fu-Zi. The name is unrelated to the martial art known as kung fu. Confucius (Kung Fu Tzu) was born in 551 BCE in the state of Lu (now in the modern, Shantung Province in China). He possessed a noble and commanding personality. His parents belonged to the superior class. His father was a warrior. Confucius was a boy when his father died. In order to support himself and his mother, he worked in his early years as a hired servant. His philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, justice, sincerity, correctness of social relationships.

According to Confucius, perfection of goodness can be found in sages and saints. Every man should try to lead a virtuous life by possessing a very noble character and doing his duty unselfishly with sincerity. Confucius considered that Society was made up of five relationships: Those of husband and wife, parent and child, elder and younger brother, generally of elders and youngsters, Ruler and Minister or subject and of friend and friend.
Confucianism offers a means to transform individuals, families, communities and nations into a harmonious international society. Relationship between Confucianism and Confucius himself is tenuous.

Confucius’ teachings may be found in the Analects of Confucius. The Analects of Confucius also known as Lunyu is considered a record of the words and acts of Confucius and his disciples, as well as the discussions they held. This book is a collection of sayings and teachings of Confucius. His teaching was largely concerned with the problems of good government. He said that the ruler himself should be virtuous, just, honest and dutiful and everybody must try to become a good man. In Confucianism, there is neither church nor clergy and no teaching on the worship of Gods. Confucianism is little concerned with metaphysical discussion of religion or with spiritual attainments.