CHINESE PHILOSOPHIES: CONFUCIANISM AND TAOISM

UNIT 2: RELIGION AND BELIEF SYSTEMS HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

• Warring States Period – Zhou Dynasty began declining, had to rely on ~100 allied states for military • Smaller states unable to rely on central Zhou government for protection and were conquered by stronger states – Through conquest, only 7 states remained—the Warring States • Intense violence and political unrest followed – Each state’s leader claimed the mandate of heaven (Heaven bestows power on someone to rule, can be revoked if cruel or ineffective) –Philosophers sought to restore order to society

ORIGINS OF CONFUCIANISM

• Confucius (551-479 B.C.E) – Chinese philosopher seeking to bring peace to chaotic time – He served as an advisor under an important ruler • Ruler became apathetic and distracted by silly pursuits • Frustrated, Confucius wandered China and spread ideas – Collected in Analects CORE BELIEFS

• Confucianism is a political and ethical philosophy, not spiritual • All people have well defined roles and responsibilities • Holds that humans are naturally good – Confucius was first to give “Golden Rule” • Do not do to others as you would not wish done to yourself • Filial piety: to respect one’s parents or ancestors; to be good to them and take care of them; to display sorrow for their death and provide sacrifices after death CORE BELIEFS

• Respect for authority is strongly emphasized; however, must be reciprocated • Five Constant Relationships: – Ruler to ruled – Father to son – Husband to wife – Elder brother to younger brother – Friend to friend TAOISM (DAOISM)

• Based on teachings of Laozi; around same time as Confucius – Frustrated with royal culture; left and wrote down his wisdom – Laozi likely did not exist • Tao Te Ching outlines foundations of Taoism CORE BELIEFS

• Taoism is centered around something “The Sage is occupied with the unspoken called Tao (or Dao), meaning “the and acts without effort. way” – Tao is the natural order of the universe Teaching without verbosity, that cannot be defined and can only be producing without possessing, known through experiencing life creating without regard to result, • Tao can be understood through wei when success is achieve he seeks no recognition, wu wei, or “action without action” because he does not claim credit, – Often do not get involved in politics the Sage has nothing to lose.”

• Taoists seek stillness; slow down and - Tao Te Ching, Chapter 2 allow the universe to work on its own 1. “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” -- Confucius 2. “To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.” --Laozi 3. “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” --Laozi 4. “The usefulness of a pot comes from its emptiness. Empty yourself of everything, let your mind become still.” --Laozi