Confucianism and Taoism WHI. 4f—China Confucianism and Taoism

Origins of Confucianism Confucius also known as K’ung-fu-tzu is the founder Born in 551 B.C.E. Confucius was a scholar and wanted to advise rulers

Origins of Confucianism Confucius never wrote his teachings Students later collected them in what is known as the Analects The Analects provide the basic teachings of Confucius and is the most important text in Confucianism

Philosophy of Confucianism Confucius was not concerned with the divine/holy Confucius’ main concern was how to promote social order and a moral/ethical government

Philosophy of Confucianism Based on parent child relationships, also known as filial piety Respect for one’s elders* Humans are naturally good Opposite of legalism Correct and moral behavior would bring peace, order, and stability

Philosophy of Confucianism Harmony exists when people accept their place in society Six relationships Worship and praise the ancestors Code of politeness (still used in China today) Emphasis on education https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apQUcKFFZCg

Six Relationships—DO NOT WRITE Parent to Child Filial piety Husband to Wife Wife subordinate to husband Elder Sibling to Younger Sibling Ruler to Minister Teacher to Student Friend to Friend Only equal relationship

Origins of Taoism The founder of Taoism is Lao-Tzu (Laozi) Born around the 6th Century—was a contemporary of Confucius Is the author of Tao Te Ching—the foundational/sacred text of Taoism

Origins of Taoism Lao Tzu believed people had lost touch with their essential self (the Te) and the way (the Tao) of harmony in the universe The Tao Te Ching was written to help people understand and follow the Tao

Philosophy of Taoism The goal is to live in harmony with nature (follow the Tao) The simple life leads to peace and happiness P’u (the uncarved block)—in our most basic state we contain great power

Philosophy of Taoism Have few desires and be humble—seek humility “Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.”  “The wise man is one who, knows, what he does not know.”  Belief of Wu Wei (action less action) Going with the flow, doing what comes natural

Belief shared by Taoism and Confucianism Yin and Yang represents opposites in nature (Part of Confucianism and Taoism)

Yin -Down -Cold -Wet -Death -Negative -Feminine -Time -Passive -In -Day -Autumn and Winter Yang -Up -Hot -Dry -Life -Positive -Masculine -Space -Active -Out -Night -Spring and Summer

Winnie The Pooh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj6EPlm8Kgk

The Three Vinegar Tasters Siddhartha Gautama Lao Tzu Confucius