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Philosophy & Religion in China. Taoism Confucianism. Taoism The Way of Harmony with Nature. A philosophy A way of life A religion Originating in 6 th century BC China Nature knows best. Taoism Origins and Texts. Legendary founder: Lao Tzu (6 th century BC)
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Philosophy & Religion in China Taoism Confucianism
TaoismThe Way of Harmony with Nature • A philosophy • A way of life • A religion • Originating in 6th century BC China Nature knows best
TaoismOrigins and Texts • Legendary founder: Lao Tzu (6th century BC) • Primary text: Tao Te Ching (the “Book of the Way and the Power”)
Taoist Concepts • Passive non-resistance to the natural forces of life • Natural way to get things done with least effort and greatest success • “Go with the flow,” yield to the natural way of things • Applied in all walks of life • Chi is the invisible energy that surrounds us all (like the force for the Jedi)
Taoism as a Way of Living • Seeking Health and Longevity: through diet, meditation, exercise, and a stress-free life • Meditation: – seeking spiritual rather than chemical transformation • Natural/holistic healing: herbal medicine, acupressure, acupuncture, exercise…
Confucianism A political and social philosophy seeking social harmony on all levels: Within the self …the family …the community ...the state …the nation …the world …the cosmos Learning from the past to improve the future
Confucianism - Origins (Confucius) 551 - 479 BCE • Embraces the values of the past • The “greatest teacher who ever lived”
Goal of Confucianism To develop one’s Jen: Human Heartedness - the innate goodness of humanity Thus becoming a Chun Tzu: the “Great Man” or “Gentle Man”
Confucian Virtues -respect for the five constant relationships: • Parent and child • Husband & wife • Older & younger sibling • Older & younger friend • Ruler & subject • Human-heartedness (JEN) is developed only within the context of human relationships
More Confucian Virtues • the Golden Rule: • “Do not do to others what you would not want others to do to you”
Yin and Yang • This comes from a debate amongst people who practiced or studied both doctrines • Yin and Yang-a balance between your role in society and your relationship with nature • This will eventually lead to a new religion…Buddhism