Jienfucianism

Confucianism is a religious and philosophic system of thought, based on the ideas of the ancient Gao-Soton thinker Confucius (孔夫子 - Kōfūshi, or 孔子 - Kōshi). Partially influenced by traditional Gao-Showan religions, it exerted and continues to exert tremendous influence on the beliefs of West Dovanians.

History
Confucianism was born from the writings of Kōshi (718-791), who lived in one of the many kingdoms that preceded the creation of the Empire of Gao-Soto just a few decades later. His philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. These values gained prominence in Gao-Soto over other doctrines during the Meiji Period. The first legal statute of the Empire, the Heavenly Code (天律令), draws heavily from Confucian influence. Later, during the Tokehiko Period, Confucianism spread to the other Western Dovani areas, most notably Indrala and Drania, where it continues to have an important role. In modern times, Confucianism was often seen as archaic and reactionary, and frequently attacked by modernists and nationalists, but its influence is still very powerful, especially in Indrala.

Beliefs
It is difficult to classify Confucianism as either a religion or an ethical philosophy. Many attributes common among religions—such as ancestor worship, ritual, and sacrifice—apply to the practice of Confucianism; however, the religious features found in Confucian texts can be traced to traditional non-Confucian Gao-Showan beliefs (Shinto and Qamido). Whatever the case, its precepts are often followed religiously by its adherents.

In Confucianism, all men are born good and similar, and the ethical differences between them are influenced by study and practice. Thus a good character may be achieved by self-cultivation. Confucianism is a meritocratic belief, in that it considers any good man, irrespective of social origin, as a noble, whereas a wicked son of a king is nothing but a "small man".

Self-improvement and self-cultivation are achieved by education and the practice of right rituals. In Confucianism the word "ritual" extends beyond religious practices into a secular context, and may mean the propriety or politeness which colors everyday life.

Another central tenet of Confucianism is filial piety, extended beyond death by means of ancestor veneration. Filial piety applies to most inter-personal relations, which are classified according to the hierarchy of those that take part in them. Specific rules are set for each type of relation, and in most of them age is a prerequisite for authority. Extending this principle into the political realm means that every person must know their place in the society, and must behave accordingly. Also, one's place in society is not determined by birth, but by merit.