Confucius

Confucius (c. 551 BCE - c. 479 BCE) was a Chinese philosopher who founded the philosophical school of thought Confucianism.

Background

‘Abdu’l-Bahá has stated the following regarding Confucius in a Tablet:

"Confucius became the cause of civilization, advancement and prosperity for the people of China. Now it is not the time when we discuss concerning the stations and positions of those who are passed away. We must concentrate our attention upon the present. What hath transpired in a former time is past."

He did briefly discuss the station of Confucius in the Bahá’í Faith when asked if Confucius and Buddha were Prophets in Some Answered Questions:

"Buddha also established a new religion and Confucius renewed the ancient conduct and morals, but the original precepts have been entirely changed and their followers no longer adhere to the original pattern of belief . . .
Our meaning is that the followers of Buddha and Confucius now worship images and statues and have become entirely unaware of the oneness of God, believing instead in imaginary gods, as did the ancient Greeks. But such were not their original precepts; indeed, their original precepts and conduct were entirely different.

In a talk included in the compilation Promulgation of Universal Peace ‘Abdu’l-Bahá listed Confucius as a cause of "illumination of the world of humanity." alongside several Manifestations of God, although Shoghi Effendi clarified that Confucius was not himself a Prophet or Manifestation of God in a letter written on his behalf:

"Confucius was not a Prophet. It is quite correct to say he is the founder of a moral system and a great reformer."

In His Tablet to Dr. Auguste Forel ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated that the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith realize the aspirations of Confucianism:

"In short, all sections and parties have their aspirations realized in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. As these teachings are declared in churches, in mosques and in other places of worship, whether those of the followers of Buddha or of Confucius, in political circles or amongst materialists, all shall bear witness that these teachings bestow a fresh life upon mankind and constitute the immediate remedy for all the ills of social life. None can find fault with any of these teachings, nay rather, once declared they will all be acclaimed, and all will confess their vital necessity, exclaiming, ‘Verily this is the truth and naught is there beside the truth but manifest error.’"