Confucianism and Daoism/Taoism  Both of these religions came from China.  However, they were not supposed to be religions. They were initially philosophies, but turned into religions. Confucius, the founder of Confucianism

Philosophy  the study of ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life, etc.  a particular set of ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life, etc.  a set of ideas about how to do something or how to live

First, let’s talk about Confucianism  The founder of this religion was Confucius.  Chou Dynasty  Known for counseling a small band of students during his lifetime  His sayings were written down in the Analects.

His Followers  With the exception of his students and group of political leaders that followed him, Confucius had little success during his lifetime  However, there are now approx. 6 million Confucians in the world-primarily in China and other parts of Asia.

Natural Order  There is a natural order in the universe  Each person has a place in society which reflects position in the universe

Role of Each Person  Each person has a role in society  If everyone fulfills their roles, society will be in harmony.

Education Education is very important for government officials, so they will govern for the good of the people.

Core Beliefs  Confucian ethical teachings include the following values: Jen: human heartedness, goodness, humaneness towards others; the highest Confucian virtue Li: includes ritual, propriety (socially appropriate), etiquette, etc. Yi: righteousness, moral disposition to do good Hsiao: love within the family: love of parents for their children and of children for their parents (filial piety) Chih: moral wisdom, knowledge in right and wrong

Practices  Confucianism does not contain all of the elements of some other religions, like Christianity and Islam. –It is primarily an ethical system: certain rituals performed at important times during one's lifetime have been added.  Since the time of the Han dynasty (206 CE) four life passages have been recognized and regulated by Confucian tradition: birth; reaching maturity; marriage, and death

The Five Relationships of Confucius  People are supposed to stay in their place in society. This created harmony.  The five relationships are: Ruler <> Subject Father <> Son Husband <> Wife Older Brother <> Younger Brother Friend <> Friend

Filial Piety  The most important item for a person that is Confucian is filial piety- respect for parents and elderly.  If you respect your parents, everything else will fall into place.

Spread of Confucianism  Confucianism didn’t begin spreading until after his death.  Because of this, Confucius didn’t experience wealth and fame during his life.

Summary  Philosophical system aimed at bettering individuals and society.  Primary goals were to educate people to be self-motivated and self-controlled  Enabled people to assume their responsibilities, which would cultivate a better self and a harmonious society.

Daoism (Taoism)  The founder of Daoism is Laozi.  Daoists believe in harmony with nature instead of harmony with people.  Daoism is the opposite of Confucianism Laozi

The Dao/Tao  The dao/tao is known as the way.  The goal of a Daoist/Taoist is to become one with the dao/tao.  They also believe in yin and yang, or the balance of forces in the universe.

Other Facts about Taoism  They are polytheistic and believe in spirits and gods of nature.  They believe that if you are kind to people, they will be kind to you. Taoists focus on harmony with nature

Taoism Today  Taoism currently has about 20 million followers, and is primarily centered in Taiwan.  About 30,000 Taoists live in North America; 1,720 in Canada (1991 census).  Taoism has had a significant impact on North American culture in areas of "acupuncture, herbalism, holistic medicine, meditation and martial arts..."

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