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Bell Ringer 10/21. What do you know about Chinese religion? What is the difference between a religion and a social philosophy?. Tao Te Ching and The Analects. By: Lao Tzu and Confucius. Lao Tzu. Chinese Author of Tao Te Ching Believed in “The Way” – force that controls the universe
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Bell Ringer 10/21 What do you know about Chinese religion? What is the difference between a religion and a social philosophy?
Tao Te ChingandThe Analects By: Lao Tzu and Confucius
Lao Tzu • Chinese • Author of Tao Te Ching • Believed in “The Way” – force that controls the universe • Tao – natural order with which people should not interfere • Aphorism – short, wise saying expressing a general truth or principle
Tao Te Ching • Section One • “The Way” does not have an individual name • People use different names for the force • Moral: Stop trying to understand nature’s mysteries and simply enjoy/appreciate it. • Section Three • People are too prideful and greedy • Take care of peoples’ physical being before their education • Inaction equals harmony (can’t mess it up if you aren’t messing with it)
Tao Te Ching continued • Section Nine • Too many responsibilities cripples you • Wealth specifically is useless • Know when to quit seeking both • Section Forty-Three • Flexibility is better than rigidity • Submission often has greater impact than power
Confucius • Chinese • Never wrote a single word – wisdom was recorded by disciples • Emphasized moral conduct • Confucianism became the official state doctrine and study of it was required by all state officials in the 2nd century • Believed in “The Way” as a moral force with which people should align behavior
The Analects • Does not take same approach as Taoism (submission/lack of action), but enforces moral behavior, duty, and education. • Focuses on “Ren” – benevolence toward others • Though the primary text of Confucianism, it is not considered a religion, but rather a social philosophy. • Written during a time of great upheaval in society and politics
The Analects continued • Put knowledge to use. • Do not act to seek recognition. • Duty: treat parents and elders well, don’t make promises you can’t keep, and keep the ones you make immediately. • Be nice to all people, but seek to spend time with good people. • Study art, writing, dance, singing, and poetry.
Lessons continued…. • Be anxious to recognize the good in others. • People who are ruled by “The Way” will be respected because of their goodness. • Let there be no evil in your thoughts. • Use tradition, modeling, and routine to govern fairly rather than chastisement. • Behave in such a way your parents don’t have to worry about anything other than your health.
Still going….. • Study questions without bias; be open-minded. • Knowing what you don’t know is knowledge. • Don’t be fake in worship. • Don’t speak faster than you can keep up with your words (don’t spread lies/rumors). • Be slow to speak, quick to act. • Study to improve yourself, not to impress others. • Demand more from yourself than others.