Abstract

In this paper I will take into account the historical, religious and philosophical aspects of the examination of conscience, penance and satisfaction, as well as ritual confession and cure, in Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. I will also take into account the difficulties that baptized Chinese Christians met in sacramental Catholic confession. Human history proves that in every culture and religion, man has always had a need to be cleansed from evil and experience mutual forgiveness. What ritual models were used by Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism? To what degree did these models prove to be true? What are the connections between a real experience of evil, ritual confession, forgiveness and cure in Chinese religions and philosophies?

Highlights

  • In this paper I will take into account the historical, religious and philosophical aspects of the examination of conscience, penance and satisfaction, as well as ritual confession and cure, in Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism

  • I will take into account the difficulties that baptized Chinese Christians met in sacramental Catholic confession

  • What ritual models were used by Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism? To what degree did these models prove to be true? What are the connections between a real experience of evil, ritual confession, forgiveness and cure in Chinese religions and philosophies?

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Summary

THE EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE IN CONFUCIANISM

The examination of conscience and reparation for sin/wrong-doing were an important element of classical Confucianism. It was a chance for sinners to recognize their actions, mend their ways and make a new start. In the Confucian Analects, one of Confucius’ students – Tsengshen (505-437 BC) says: „Every day I examine myself on the basis of three points: my issues with others, whether I was faithful; my relations with friends, whether I was honest; and thirdly, whether I followed (in practice) my teacher’s teachings.”. Confucius, who believed that one can achieve perfection by constant self-improvement (self-training), shared the knowledge of how to become one’s own master with his students

REPENTANCE AND THE EARLIEST CONFESSION RITES IN ANCIENT CHINA
RITUAL CONFESSION IN TAOISM
THE CHINESE AND THE CATHOLIC PERSONAL CONFESSION
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