Proposal for the Establishment of the Confucius Temple by the Confucian Academy
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Wong Tai Sin District Council 75 / 2013 issue (10.9.2013) 孔教學院 Proposal for the Establishment of the Confucius Temple by The Confucian Academy Da Cheng Hall of The Confucius Temple, Front View The Confucian Academy 29 August 2013 1 Content 1. Objectives ……………………………………………………….………………..……….…………… P.3 2. An Introduction to Confucianism …………………………………..…………….………… P.3 3. Confucius, the Confucius Temple and the Confucian Academy ………….….… P.4 4. Ideology of the Confucius Temple ………………………………..…………………….…… P.5 5. Social Values in the Construction of the Confucius Temple …………..… P.7 – P.9 6. Religious Significance of the Confucius Temple…………………..……….… P.9 – P.12 7. Cultural Significance of the Confucius Temple…………………………..……P.12- P.18 8. Site Selection ………………………………………………………………………………………… P.18 9. Gross Floor Area (GFA) of the Confucius Temple …………………….………………P.18 10. Facilities …………………………………………………………………….……………… P.18 – P.20 11. Construction, Management and Operation ……………….………………. P.20– P.21 12. Design Considerations ………………………………………………………………. P.21 – P.24 13. District Consultation Forums .…………………………………..…………….…………… P.24 14. Alignment with Land Use Development …….. …………………………….………… P.24 15. The Budget ……………………………………………………………………………………………P.24 ※ Wong Tai Sin District and the Confucius Temple …………………………….….... P.25 Document Submission……………………………………………………………………………….. P.26 Appendix 1. Volume Drawing (I) of the Confucius Temple ………………..……….P.27 Appendix 2. Volume Drawing (II) of the Confucius Temple …………….………….P.28 Appendix 3. Design Drawings of the Confucius Temple ……………………P.29 – P.36 2 Proposal for the Establishment of the Confucius Temple by the Confucian Academy 1. Objectives This document serves as a proposal for the construction of a Confucius Temple in Hong Kong by the Confucian Academy, an overview of the design and architecture of the aforementioned Temple, as well as a way of soliciting the advice and support from the Wong Tai Sin District Council and its District Councillors. 2. An Introduction to Confucianism Confucianism is one of the thirteen religions recognised by the United Nations, and one of the six major religions recognised in Hong Kong. Confucianism (the religion of Confucian scholars) was founded by Confucius. Its fundamentals revolve around the concepts of "Ren” (benevolence), “Yi” (righteousness), “Li” (propriety, or the practice of rites), “Zhi” (wisdom) and “Xin” (trustworthiness). Confucius propounded his interpretations of the ancient Five Classics, which together with The Analects became the most important texts for Confucianism. Confucianism is based on religious principles as well as humanitarian principles; it places great value on taking an active part in human society. Confucius was the principal teacher and sage of Confucianism, as well as one of the greatest thinkers, politicians and educators the world has ever seen. Confucianism and the philosophies of Confucian scholarship date back 2563 years; it is an embodiment of the most essential Chinese traditions; it is a culture which serves as a continuation of almost 3000 years of heritage, and a source of inspiration of the 2500 years that followed. Not only is it a central pillar of Chinese culture, it also lies at the heart of China’s soft power. The value of Confucianism and its scholars’ philosophy has been acknowledged by the United Nations for its contribution towards long-term social stability and the welfare and happiness of people, and proven in many societies including those in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. In fact, the “Asian Model” of governance is largely based on Confucianism’s central principles - loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, kindness, trustworthiness, righteousness and peace – in combination with the principles of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights, the discussions of which were also found within Confucian philosophy. The four East Asian Dragons were born out of this fortuitous blend. 3 (The bronze statue of Confucius in Qufu city, Shandong province [total height: 16.928 meters] ) 3. Confucius, the Confucius Temple and the Confucian Academy (Confucius, 551 – 479 BC) Confucius is one of the world’s greatest philosophers, a teacher and role model of all ages. His teaching has profoundly influenced Chinese culture in a remarkable range of areas, from traditions, customs, politics, social hierarchy, the arts, academic studies, through to religious beliefs. Confucian ideas and codes of conduct have had a lasting impact on interpersonal relationships, personal values and ways of conducting oneself in society. Back in 478 AD (under the rule of Duke Ai of the state of Lu), people had already begun building temples of Confucius in the great sage’s hometown of Qufu in Shandong province. Since then, thousands of Confucius Temples also known as Wen Temples, or Temples of civil studies, culture and literature have been 4 constructed both in China and across the rest of the world, where followers worship the great sage and pay tribute to his enormous contributions to humanism and society. A predominantly Chinese society, Hong Kong is a convergence point of East and West where the best of both cultures meet, yet there is not currently a well-established Confucius Temple in the city where people can experience and benefit from Confucius’ philosophies and culture. After spending many years in applying for planning and development permission from the government, the Confucius Academy has successfully gained the support of the Home Affairs Bureau for the construction of a Confucius Temple for the purpose of religious and cultural development in Hong Kong. Upon further investigation, the Confucian Academy learned that the Wong Tai Sin District Council has expressed concerns about the availability of religious, cultural and artistic facilities in the area. In response, the Academy is submitting an application for the construction of a Confucius Temple at the Diamond Hill Comprehensive Development Area . We are currently in the process of consulting with Wong Tai Sin District Council, and we hope the proposal will be supported by the Council and its Councillors. Founded in Hong Kong by Dr. Chen Huanzhang in 1930, The Confucian Academy has dedicated itself to the promotion and development of Confucius’ teachings for nearly a century. Devoted to the nurturing of talents and the advancement of education whilst fostering the values of integrity and righteousness in society, we follow the Confucian principles of establishing ourselves by helping others become established, and nurturing future generations with long-term vision. We consider it our goal and responsibility to contribute to the renaissance of Chinese culture, to join hands with the wider community in a bid to achieve universal harmony, via a harmonious Hong Kong society, prosperity and stability in China, as well as world peace at large. 4. Ideology of The Confucius Temple The Confucius Temple will serve as a flagship religious institution and cultural venue in Hong Kong, playing a vital role in the promotion and development of Confucius’ teachings and philosophies, as well as the wealth of culture and art within Confucianism. In addition to its role as a venue of religious worship, the temple will 1. Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong offer a range of world-class art and province cultural facilities for a wide variety of events and activities. The Confucius Temple will serve as a platform to encourage greater social cohesion across different sectors and organisations within the society, through the promotion of the Eight Virtues (Filial Piety, Brotherhood, Loyalty, Trustworthiness, Propriety, Righteousness, Honesty and Honour). Great emphasis will be placed on the education of the younger generation, and the provision of guidance and support to help young people develop positive attitudes towards interpersonal relationships, personal values and ways of conducting oneself in society, so that in a long run, individuals, families and communities will feel a greater sense of care towards their society and country. 5 2. Confucius Temple in Beijing 3.Confucius Temple in Deyang, Sichuan 4. Confucius Temple in Quzhou, Zhejiang 13. Confucius Temple in Sanshui, Guangdong 5. Wen Temple (another name for a Confucius temple) in Zizhong, Sichuan 12. Confucius Temple in Fenzhou, Shanxi 6. Wen Temple (another name for a Confucius temple) in Harbin 11. School of Confucius in Guiyang, Guizhou 7. Confucius Temple in Deqing, Zhaoqing, Guangdong 10.Confucius Temple in Tainan 9. Confucius Temple in Yunnan 8.Wen Temple (another name for a Confucius temple) in Zhengding, Hebei 6 5. Social Values in the Construction of the Confucius Temple 5.1 Development and Promotion of the philosophies by Confucian scholars, as well as the advancement of culture (HKSAR Chief Executive Mr Leung Chun-ying, Chief Secretary for Administration Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Secretary for Home Affairs Mr Tsang Tak-sing meet the senior management team of the Confucian Academy at Government House, showing their support for the promotion and development of Confucian culture, 2013) The development of Confucianism was built upon the foundation of China’s long and illustrious history. The great sage’s teachings were a continuation of almost 3000 years of heritage and traditions before his time, as well as sources of inspiration in the 2500 years that followed; consequently, the philosophy is an embodiment of over 5000 years of Chinese culture. Confucianism’s influence on Chinese culture is unique –