Confucianism & Taoism

Confucianism Grew out of the teachings of Master Kung Fu-Tzu ( B.C.E.) Although Confucianism is often described as a religion, it is not one in the formal sense. Confucius did not write about the gods except to indicate that he accepted the religious beliefs of his day. - He never got the advisory position, but instead found a group of students who were eager to learn about his ideas – so…he became a teacher. - Before he was 16, he left home and wandered around China for nearly 15 years seeking a position as an advisor to a ruler, wishing to help put an end to the personal, political and social disorder that he witnessed everywhere.

Confucius' main moral concepts can be divided into a few overarching categories:

1. " Jen " meant "becoming a person" which is often translated as "benevolence" or "human kindness." - Confucius believed that people must practice goodness and extend respect to others. This concept is best signified by what is called the silver rule of Confucianism : "Do not do to others, what you do not want them to do to you." It is called the silver rule in comparison to the golden rule of Christianity : "Do unto others as you would want them to do to you".

2. " Li " or “the rites” were to act as the guidelines for proper conduct. They helped to guide someone who may be unsure of what would be the truly "benevolent" act in certain circumstances.

3. " De " or Virtue. The following of the "li" and the development of "jen" were stages towards developing virtue, the ultimate goal of Confucian thought. - Confucius saw virtue as combining the features of "li" and "jen". Virtue for him was concrete and determined by action, not contemplation. He envisioned virtue as an obtainable goal, and his ideas as being practical rules of life and not a philosophy that was impossible to live up to.

Confucius' ideas about morality were not abstract, but pragmatic (practical), which meant morality was not determined by absolutes as much as it was by circumstances and relationships. The basic relationships a person had in society determined or defined moral action. The goal was to ensure a person performed his key roles and obligations well. The main relationships were: Emperor-Subject Father-Son Husband-Wife Elder brother-Younger brother Elder friend-Younger friend

- All the relationships were between a superior and inferior. Depending on where one stood, a person needed to learn proper behavior for one's role. - Confucius taught established authorities should be respected. Governments too had a duty – a duty to set an example of right conduct. -The ethical ruler: - would have integrity - was righteous - inspired loyalty - understood proper behavior - followed the appropriate rituals - appreciated culture

Taoism

Differed from the moral and social teaching of Confucianism. Comes from the word “Tao” which means “The Way”. Developed by a man named Laozi, or “old master”. Rejected formal social structures and the idea that people must fill specific roles in a society. Instead Taoism placed importance on the individual seeking harmony with the universe, renouncing wealth, power and formal codes of behavior. It should be enough if people attune themselves to nature and to the Tao (Way) – the eternal force that permeates everything in nature.

Interestingly, even though Confucianism and Taoism were in conflict with each other, it was (is) possible for someone to practice both. Confucianism – pattern for gov’t and social structure Taoism – emphasized harmony within the individual attuned to nature A concept that helped people come to terms with this opposition was that of yin and yang.

These two opposite forces were believed to be present throughout nature. The interplay of these forces could explain all the actions of the universe. Yin – female, dark, cold, passive Yang – male, light, hot, active These opposites are not in conflict, rather they compliment each other and exist side by side in nature. We could not have: light without darkness big without small man without woman life without death One might say that Taoism is the yin of Chinese thought, and Confucianism is the yang.