Classical Chinese Religion “One Truth, Three Ways”
Confucianism Based upon duty and 5 Basic Relationships Man is inherently good (or least can be led to goodness) Seek social harmony in this world
Daoism – “The Way” The Dao is all All is relative: Yin & Yang Non-action: do nothing to oppose the Dao
“Try not. Do or do not, there is no try.”
Go With The Flow
Buddhism Suffering comes from desire and desire comes from attachment. Ultimately, achieve personal salvation through Nirvana
Why did Buddhism appeal to many people in China? Because if offered a hope of personal salvation that Confucianism and Daoism did not. Because Buddhism was adaptable, absorbing many Chinese traditions, such as filial piety.