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Explore the philosophical roots and religious aspects of Confucianism and Daoism from China. Learn about Confucius and Laozi, their core beliefs, practices, and impact on society. Discover the emphasis on harmony and balance with nature in Daoism, contrasting with Confucian ethical teachings and social order ideals.
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Confucianism and Daoism/Taoism • Both of these religions came from China. • However, they were not supposed to be religions. They were initially philosophies, but turned into religions. Confucius, the founder of Confucianism
Philosophy • the study of ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life, etc. • a particular set of ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life, etc. • a set of ideas about how to do something or how to live
First, let’s talk about Confucianism • The founder of this religion was Confucius. • Chou Dynasty • Known for counseling a small band of students during his lifetime • His sayings were written down in the Analects.
His Followers • With the exception of his students and group of political leaders that followed him, Confucius had little success during his lifetime • However, there are now approx. 6 million Confucians in the world-primarily in China and other parts of Asia.
Natural Order • There is a natural order in the universe • Each person has a place in society which reflects position in the universe
Role of Each Person • Each person has a role in society • If everyone fulfills their roles, society will be in harmony.
Education Education is very important for government officials, so they will govern for the good of the people.
Core Beliefs • Confucian ethical teachings include the following values: Jen: human heartedness, goodness, humaneness towards others; the highest Confucian virtue Li: includes ritual, propriety (socially appropriate), etiquette, etc. Yi: righteousness , moral disposition to do good Hsiao: love within the family: love of parents for their children and of children for their parents (filial piety) Chih: moral wisdom, knowledge in right and wrong
Practices • Confucianism does not contain all of the elements of some other religions, like Christianity and Islam. • It is primarily an ethical system: certain rituals performed at important times during one's lifetime have been added. • Since the time of the Han dynasty (206 CE) four life passages have been recognized and regulated by Confucian tradition: birth; reaching maturity; marriage, and death
The Five Relationships of Confucius • People are supposed to stay in their place in society. This created harmony. • The five relationships are: Ruler <> Subject Father <> Son Husband <> Wife Older Brother <> Younger Brother Friend <> Friend
Filial Piety • The most important item for a person that is Confucian is filial piety- respect for parents and elderly. • If you respect your parents, everything else will fall into place.
Spread of Confucianism • Confucianism didn’t begin spreading until after his death. • Because of this, Confucius didn’t experience wealth and fame during his life.
Summary • Philosophical system aimed at bettering individuals and society. • Primary goals were to educate people to be self-motivated and self-controlled • Enabled people to assume their responsibilities, which would cultivate a better self and a harmonious society.
Daoism (Taoism) • The founder of Daoism is Laozi. • Daoists believe in harmony with nature instead of harmony with people. • Daoism is the opposite of Confucianism Laozi
The Dao/Tao • The dao/tao is known as the way. • The goal of a Daoist/Taoist is to become one with the dao/tao. • They also believe in yin and yang, or the balance of forces in the universe.
Other Facts about Taoism • They are polytheistic and believe in spirits and gods of nature. • They believe that if you are kind to people, they will be kind to you. Taoists focus on harmony with nature
Taoism Today • Taoism currently has about 20 million followers, and is primarily centered in Taiwan. • About 30,000 Taoists live in North America; 1,720 in Canada (1991 census). • Taoism has had a significant impact on North American culture in areas of "acupuncture, herbalism, holistic medicine, meditation and martial arts..."
http://www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/gnps/shs/dept/special_ed/nystrom/documents/MajorBeliefsofConfucianism.pdfhttp://www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/gnps/shs/dept/special_ed/nystrom/documents/MajorBeliefsofConfucianism.pdf • http://philosophy.lander.edu/oriental/main.html • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK6rWaUiuV4