Confucianism

A time of warring nations with great slaughter Time and Place Ancient China 551 BC A time of warring nations with great slaughter

Writings: The Analects

Central Ideas of Confucius Duty  - one must subordinate one’s desires to the needs of the family or nation.  The Five Constant Relationships The Dao or Humanity -  compassion and empathy for others (do unto others as you would have done to you) The Five Constant Relationships

How did Confucius feel about spiritual world? Not important - focus on the real world. Its all behavior and relationships and responsibility.

According to Confucius, who work in the government? Rule by merit, regardless of one’s birth or position. Good people make good decisions that lead to good government

Daoism or Taoism

A time of warring nations with great slaughter Time and Place Ancient China Same as Confucius A time of warring nations with great slaughter

Who was the founder? Laozi (Old Master) Or Lao Tzo Might not have existed.

What are their sacred writing or holy books? Tao Te Ching The Way of the Dao http://www.religioustolerance.org/taoism.htm

Central Beliefs? The Dao or The Way What is proper human behavior, (not what is the meaning of universe) Not to act but to do little to not upset the natural order.

Tao is the first-cause of the universe Tao is the first-cause of the universe. It is a force that flows through all life. "The Tao surrounds everyone and therefore everyone must listen to find enlightenment." A believer's goal is to harmonize themselves with the Tao. Taoists follow the art of "wu wei," which is to let nature take its course. For example, one should allow a river to flow towards the sea unimpeded; do not erect a dam which would interfere with its natural flow. Time is cyclical, not linear as in Western thinking.

Central Ideas Along with the philosophy called Confucianism, Daoism has helped to shape Chinese culture. Confucianism focuses on human society and the duties of its members. In contrast, Daoism emphasizes nature.

yin yang  The yin yang (i.e. taijitu symbol) shows a balance between two opposites with a portion of the opposite element in each section. In Taoist metaphysics, distinctions between good and bad, along with other dichotomous moral judgments, are perceptual, not real; so, the duality of yin and yang is an indivisible whole.

Legalism

When/where was this religion founded? China in the time of Confucius 500 BC

Central Beliefs? Humans are evil by their nature Need a system of impersonal laws to guide man

What should rulers do? Be strong! Have harsh laws with severe penalties will keep the people in line.