Chinese Religions: Daoism and Confucianism

1. Chinese Religions:Daoism and Confucianism Chapter 6 Living Religions, Mary Pat Fisher

3. Learning Objectives (1) • Comprehend the concepts/ terms • Understand and explain the main beliefs/ teachings • Understand and explain the practices • Know the founders of major systems and their teachings and explain them • Understand historical development along with the cultural, political, and social contexts of each of the major systems and be able to explain them • Know, explain, and evaluate the main goals and compare/contrast the systems with other belief systems • Be able to recognize syncretisms of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism • Develop an appreciation for the contributions these systems made to history of thought, religion, etc.

4. Terms/Concepts (1) Terms for ancient Chinese traditions exiting before Daoism and Confucianismarose Ancestor worship/veneration Filial Piety Divination Shangdi (Shang Ti) shen (good spirits, bad spirits) Li qi (ch’i) Yin Yang Terms for Daoism: Dao Daoism Dao de jing Innocence Alchemy wu wei Feng shui Key Figures: Laozi (Laotzu), Zhuangzi (Chuangtzu)

5. Terms/Concepts (2) • Terms for Confucianism: Li Ren (Jen) Yi Confucianism Neo-Confucianism Key Figures: Master Kung Fuzi/ Confucius Mengzi (Mencius)

6. Terms/Concepts (3) Political/Historical: Dynasties: Shang, Zhou (Chou), Han Political system: feudal system Scriptural Texts:Yijing (I Ching) Book of Changes Dao de jing (Tao te Ching) Xhuangzi (Chuangtzu) Li Chi (Confucian Classics) Analects of Confucius

7. Chinese Religions Lecture Overview Ancient religious traditionsbefore Lao-tzu and Confucius Daoism Confucianism Neo-Confucianism Religion in modern China including the influence of Buddhism

8. Exploring the Mystery of Religion for the Chinese peoples.. Begins

9. Quotes of the Day "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Chinese philosopher Laozi “The Dao…enduring and unchanging…the name that cannot be named…originator of Heaven and earth….” Dao de Ching “Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.” Confucius “…Do not do to others what you would not want others to do to you.” (Confucius, Chinese version of the “Golden Rule”)

10. Ancient Religious Traditions (1) Geographical Context (see next slide)

13. Ancient Religious Traditions (2) • Ancient Chinese traditions (essentially the indigenous sacred ways of ancient China) • Respect and honor to spirits and ancestors • Ancient traditions from well before 3000 yrs ago (1000 B.C.E.), became the foundational fabric of later Chinese culture, undergirded both Daoism and Confucianism and the Chinese culture in general all the way to modern times

14. Ancient Religious Traditions (3)Overview of Elements/Characteristics • Polytheistic and animistic (belief in multiple gods and spirits) • Filial Piety • Ancestor Worship • Belief in the Shangdi (Shang Ti Supreme God) • Li • Qi • Divination • Yin and Yang (by ancient philosophers)

15. Ancient Religious Traditions (4) • Shang dynasty in 1500-1046 B.C.E. (11th cent.) Divination w/ shells; large royal tombs (archaeological evidence) • What was religion like for the common Chinese people of this age? Polytheistic and animistic, reverence of gods, spirits, and ancestors and divination practice • The highest god was Shangdi (Shang Ti) • Kings and Priests performed rituals and ceremonies, and deep respect showed to authorities; Li was sacred rituals of ancestor worship (p. 189)

16. Ancient Religious Traditions (5) The Zhou (Chou) dynasty 1046—221 BCE Rulership based on Mandate of Heaven; rulers asserted right to rule by morality & religion based on Shangdi (Shang Ti), the one Supreme God, who controlled the destinies of all humankind (Hopfe and Woodward textbook) • During this dynastic age that both Laozi and Confucius come onto the scene in the 6th cent. B.C.E.

17. Ancient Religious Traditions (6):Filial Piety • Ancient Chinese culture ingrained with a deep respect for their ancestors; it begins with parents expecting respect from their children • This means that children are to give complete respect to their parents and grandparents (filial piety). • Filial- of or relating to a son or a daughter; having or assuming the relation of a child • Piety- fidelity to natural obligations (as to parents); dutifulness in religion; devoutness • A religious aspect to their veneration. • It is believed that those who lack filial piety will be afflicted by dangerous spirits.

18. Ancient Religious Traditions (7): Ancestor Worship • From very ancient times, the Chinese peoples worshiped their ancestors • Their deep respect for the aged, ingrained in their culture, did not cease after the elderly died, it continued on • Homes would have small shrines or altars: names and deeds of many previous generations of the family are remembered. Support of the dead ancestors with remembrance and sacrifices are essential. • Those who forget their ancestors are disgraced

19. Ancient Religious Traditions (8): Divination • Like other basic religion groups, the early Chinese believed that the unity of the universe allowed future events to be predicted by some means. • They sought the future through the patterns of the tortoise shell and in stalks of grain. Divination among the Chinese probably… • Reached its peak in the development of the book called the Yijing (I Ching/The Book of Changes) which was edited by Confucius. Casting of coins or stalks of a plant certain patterns will emerge. A statement/ prediction is made for all the 64 hexagram patterns. The book is still used today.

20. Ancient Religious Traditions (9):Qi • The ancient Chinese also developed the concept of Qi: • Vital life energy, universe and in our bodies • Self-generating physical-spiritual substance

21. Ancient Religious Traditions (10):Yin and Yang • Ancient Chinese philosophers developed the concept of Yin and Yang to explain the true nature of the universe. • Yin: dark, cool, female, receptive, negative forces in nature • Yang: bright, warm, male, assertive, creative, positive forces in nature • Together, Yin & Yang complement each other

22. Ancient Religious Traditions (11) Summary of Elements, Beliefs, Practices • Animism and polytheism • Filial Piety • Ancestor Worship • Shen Shangdi • Li Qi • Divination • Yin and Yang

23. Formation of Daoism (1) • The beginning of Daoism is shrouded in mystery, its origin is lost in the mists of Chinese antiquity, and little do we know of its legendary founder, and some deny his historicity • Laozi (Lao-tzu): c.a. 600 B.C.E. is his title meaning “Old Master” or “Old School”

24. Formation of Daoism (2) • Laozi’s Career: • government job curator of the imperial records at Loyang, the capital of China during the Chou Dynasty.

25. Lao-Tzu Resigns his Government Job, Mounts a Water Buffalo, and heads toward Tibet

26. Formation of Daoism (3) • The guard at the western passout of China (a legendary figure named Yin Hsi) requested that Lao-tzu record his philosophy before he left. • Lao-tzu recorded his philosophy in a book called the Dao de jing, left through the pass, and was never heard of again.

27. Formation of Daoism (4):The Source Texts (Scriptures) • Dao de jing, “The Way of Nature”, or “The Classic of the Way and Its Power or Virtue” • Central philosophy: improve harmony of life & best harmonize with the natural flow of life by being receptive and quiet; Also believes all human achievements are folly, especially elaborate government • Instead of 1 master creating it, there may have been several masters over centuries • Book of Zhuangzi, (Chuang-tzu), written, compiled by Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi, 4th cent. BCE

28. Defining Daoism (1):Early Daoist Philosophers’ Teachings • Hopfe & Woodward textbook summarizes: • 1. The basic unity behind the universe is a mysterious and indefinable force called the Dao • 2. Life is the greatest of all possessions • 3. Life is to be lived simply • Ideally, individuals should turn their backs on the advancement of civilization and live simply & quietly as possible. • The word “Innocent” characterizes the ideal state • 4. Pomp & glory are to be despised

29. Defining Daoism (2):M. Fisher Textbook Summarizes as: • The Way of Nature and Immortality • The Unnamable (essentially indefinable) • The Eternally real • The transcendent unity of all things • Our original nature • The first cause of the Cosmos • Flowing water is the model for being/living

30. Defining Daoism (3):The Dao de Jing • Ch. 1 (vs. 1) “The Tao that can be trodden is not the enduring and unchanging Tao. The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name. (vs. 2)…no name, it is the originator of heaven and earth. (vs. 3) Always without desire we must be found, if its deep mystery we would sound…(vs. 4) under these 2 aspects, it is really the same…together we call them the Mystery, where the Mystery is the deepest, the gate of all that is subtle and wonderful” The Texts of Taoism, trans. James Legge, Julian Press. NY 1959 p. 95

31. Defining Daoism (4):Summarizing early Daoist Philosophy • The “Way,” “Nature’s Way” understood as impersonal force, compare: monism • The basic unity behind the universe is a mysterious & indefinable force called the Dao • Life is the greatest of all possessions; fame, wealth, power, & education were transient illusions • Life is to be lived simply. The Dao would ultimately destroy all people’s achievements (the early Daoists therefore turned their backs on civilization) • The word innocence characterizes the ideal (political) state • Goal: to live in harmony with the Dao (the world is naturally in harmony)

32. Early Daoism: Its Philosophy In Reference to Theism and Religion • The Dao itself is an impersonal, vague force behind the universe and is more of a First Cause than a god in any traditional sense. • Little theism in early Daoism; The early Daoist teachers were only vaguely theistic • In many translations of the Dao de Jing, “god” does not appear at all; but one translation, “god” appears once. • Daoism cannot be clearly delineated as a religion with a certain body of doctrine and rituals as in other religions; but its definitely a belief and philosophical system

33. Defining Daoism (5):Zhuangzi and Early Chinese Philosophy • Zhuangzi, Daoist philosopher of 4th cent. BCE (365-290) taught shunning the state (get away from society) • In contrast, the other “schools of thought” in China rivaled the early Daoists, advocating working within society to make them better, namely: Confucians, Legalists, and other traveling Philosophers • Yin & Yang of the cosmic balance incorporated into “Daoism,” became a philosophical tradition

34. Daoism’s Paradoxes and Feng Shui • Wu wei-- “actionless action,” a uniquely Daoist paradox • Combining the concept of the Dao as “natural,” our original nature and wu wei concept and the Daoist model for being, flowing water, together produces the Daoist general Daoist thought of “going with the flow” • Feng Shui—determining the natural flows of qi through the earth; geomancy; letting things take their own course

35. Popular Religion and Institutional Daoism • Though practices of popular, folk religion and Daoism get mixed up, distinguish to two • Alchemy, faith-healing, use of talismans • Other folk practices • Daoist specialized took charge of these spiritual tasks, but these practices still continued among the peoples as folk religion • Temples and priests, and rituals performed by Daoist priests in various villages, places

36. Daoist Inner Alchemy • “Three Treasures” within the body: • Jing--generative force • Qi--vital life force • Shen--spirit

37. Daoist Sects • Celestial Master • Highest Purity Daoism • Complete Perfection—started late 4th cent. C.E. • During this time, 1st-3rd centuries C.E., Buddhism came into China and was having an influence, and Chan Buddhism developed (emphasizing meditation and direct insight)

38. Daoist Canon (Scriptures) • 2 Main Scriptures: Dao de Jing, Zhuangzi • The many “revealed” scriptures of Daoist movements compiled and canonized by the court • The present canon was compiled in 1445 C.E. • About 1,500 sophisticated scriptures • Contains poems, encounters with deities, meditation practices, methods and elixirs for ascending to the heavenly realms and achieving immortality, and descriptions of the Immortals and the heavenly bureaucracies

39. The Immortals and Ascended Masters • A coral sculpture of 7 Immortals amongst Temple • in Nature, 19th century Chinese, in Appleton Museum of Art, Ocala, FL

40. Later Development of Daoism (1) • Daoism in the Dao de Ching & Zhuangzi text • Appealed to a small no. of persons, malcontent with the intricacies of society and government • After the Early period, Daoism, developed a wide appeal to the masses mixing folk (animism & polytheism)

41. Later Development of Daoism (2) • Two kinds of Daoism developed: • The Literati, philosophical writings of Laozi and Zhuangzi • The Alchemists: searched for immortality as in an endless extension of the present life • Scholars, priests, & magicians began to seek the means whereby life could be extended indefinitely, including practices of diet, fasting & breath control similar to yoga, as well as alchemy.

42. Later Development of Daoism (3) • The Daoist alchemist seeking to work his magic soon became concerned with the gods that might be involved in the process. Because they worked at the stove, they began to offer sacrifices to the god of stove, Tsao Chun, the 1st god of Daoism. • The process of apotheosis (elevating to divine status) continued until their were many Daoist gods. Starting out essentially non-theistic then became theistic/polytheistic

43. Daoism in the Common Era • By the early centuries of the Common Era, Daoism had developed into a religion complete with gods, priests, temples, and sacrifices. • In modern China, Daoism is mainly associated with charms, exorcisms, and magical attempts to prolong life; it is all these: a philosophy of nature, a religion, and a system of magical practices. • Has also incorporated into its system-deities, such as the Golden Mother of the Celestial Pool

44. Ancient Chinese Traditions and Daoism Concepts Summarized • Dao-the Way of Nature, Unity of Universe • Dao de Jing (“The Way of Nature”, or “The Classic of the Way and Its Power or Virtue”) • Laozi—legendary founder, 6th cent. B.C.E. • Book of Zhuangzi, early philosopher • Innocence—natural state of beings; harmony • Qi—vital monistic energy of universe in every.. • Yin and Yang—positive and negative forces • Wu wei—actionless action • Feng shui—determining the qi flow in the earth

45. Confucius • Founder: Kung Fuzi, 6th cent. B.C.E. 551-479 B.C.E.

46. Confucius’ Life and Career (1) • Confucius’ early life …He taught his students History, good Government, and Divination • His main concern/realm of focus was on society: good government w/ a moral base • His attitude toward religion is not known w/ certainty & scholars debate the range from agnostic to founder of a great religion. Truth lies in middle: • He seems to have believed that the gods existed & worship & rituals were of value in bringing people together, but these were of secondary importance to an equitable social order • He seems to have had the attitude of respect to the spirits but kept them at a distance

47. Confucius’ Life and Career (2) • At the age of 50, he was asked the join the government of the Duke of Lu as its prime minister. He was able to put into practice some of his principles of good government. But this only lasted 5 years, & he was back traveling as an itinerant teacher. But at the age of 67, he got a position as an advisor to Duke of Ai, held till he died in 479 BCE

48. Confucius’ Works • During his last years at the court of Duke of Ai, he continued to teach his disciples and he edited and compiled the 6 classical Chinese cultural texts including the Yijing • Li Chi—his own book • The Analects of Confucius

49. Confucius’ Teachings (1) • Confucius built his teaching on the existing cultural foundation of:Filial Piety • Ancestor worship • Li

50. Confucius’ Teachings (2) • The teachings of Confucius: central themes: • Li--propriety, rites, ceremonies, courtesy applied to religious and social context: when society lives by it, it moves smoothly; men & women respect their elders & superiors; the proper rituals and ceremonies are performed; everything & everyone is in its proper place • Ren (Jen) goodness, heartedness, kindness, love